Prem is ‘snakes and ladders’
TABAI Matson believes Quins can win the game of ‘snakes and ladders’ and build momentum to secure a play-off spot
Premiership champions Harlequins haven’t had it all their own way this season and lie in third after three consecutive defeats were followed by wins over Wasps, Worcester and Newcastle.
In a highly competitive league, just nine points separates second from sixth and Matson knows his side must perform to finish in the top four.
He said: “It shows the level of the competition.
This is definitely the closest, toughest competition in the world with regards to the margin for error.
“It’s a bit like snakes and ladders at the moment, if you land on a loss you end up tumbling down the table quite dramatically. It means you have to keep momentum and make sure you get the right game plan week in week out.”
Like every club at this stage of the season, Harlequins have struggled with injuries and have been forced to deal with the absences of key players such as Jack Kenningham, Luke Northmore and
Wilko Louw. The club have also been without four England internationals during the Six Nations.
He said: “The last couple of weeks, we’ve been battling with the numbers in our roster but I think every team’s having that and you can’t use that as an excuse.
“It exposes people to opportunities and more importantly you start to see the future of our club. Last week we had a lot of young guys under 22 who were excitingly closing out a tough game against Worcester.”
Danny Care scored his 100th try for the club in last week’s win and is fifth in the all-time Premiership top try scorers list, with Care being the only nonwinger in the top ten.
Matson added: “If you had a statue outside of the club, it would be of him. He epitomises everything about Quins. His influence on the game is world class. For a half-back to score that many tries, shows that he is unique.
“To be in the top five Premiership try-scorers not as an outside back is a significant feat. I love the guy. He’s a top man and one of our best leaders.”