Care calls for same underdog spirit that put
DANNY Care wants Harlequins to summon the spirit of 2011 as they travel to Thomond Park aiming to inflict another shock home defeat on Munster.
Care was a try-scorer nine years ago when Quins pulled off a stunning 20-12 Challenge Cup semi-final win in Limerick to set up a final clash against Stade Francais – a match in which they also triumphed as a prelude to winning the Premiership a year later.
Care, now 33 and out of contract next summer, knows that time is running out to win Europe’s top prize but will happily reprise the role of underdog.
He said: “People were saying there was no way Harlequins could go there and do a job nine years ago, but we really used that as fuel and thought our game could cause them problems.
“I’m happy to draw on a bit of that again this week and if we get our fundamentals right and get some good ball to people like Marcus Smith, Mike Brown, Cadan Murley and Nathan Earle in space, we can certainly cause them problems this time as well.
“I don’t think anyone will expect anything from Quins this year because we’ve drawn two giants in European rugby. But these are the games you want to play in – to take on Munster and Racing 92 and test
yourself against the best.
“I’m not saying we’re good enough at the moment to win the Champions Cup but we can’t wait to get stuck in. We’re massive underdogs, for sure, but it’ll be two XVs going at each other and you never know.”
While Munster have won all seven of their PRO14 matches to date, Harlequins are also in good form after recovering from a heavy opening day loss to Exeter to record impressive bonus point wins at Northampton and Gloucester.
“We’ve won five away games on the bounce now and confidence is up,” declares Care. “Winning twice on the road in the last fortnight and getting trybonuses is something we’re happy with, but we know today will be a lot harder.
“Munster are looking good. They’ve blooded lots of really good youngsters and we’re aware of players who’ll be coming back from Irish duty like Connor Murray, Peter O’Mahoney and CJ Stander.
“We’ve got to play incredibly well to have a chance of winning but it’s exciting to be playing one of Europe’s giants at Thomond Park and we can’t wait to fly into the Champions Cup.”
Care has other reasons to impress. He added: “My contract’s up in the summer and I never know when the next time will come to play against sides like Munster.
“Initial talks are going on and it’s a matter of waiting to see. Hopefully, it can be sorted soon.”