The scrum is everything, says Quins’ Collier

HARLEQUINS are ready for a blockbusting scrum sequel when they tackle Champions Cup semi-final opponents Toulouse tomorrow.

Quins booked a last-four spot for the first time by building rock-solid foundations in battering BordeauxBegles’ scrum three weeks ago.

It underpinned a remarkable 42-41 victory, allowing Quins’ allstar back division, led by Marcus Smith, to cut loose.

Props Fin Baxter and Will Collier were to the fore, with another major mission now awaiting them.

“If ever you watch highlights of

French club rugby, they often show the scrums, which is unheard of over here,” Collier, right, said. “They love it. Who is going to push each other backwards, in the simplest terms?

“We have got a plan specific to them that hopefully we can implement. We have done a lot of work on it this week, as I am sure you can imagine.

“You see the passion they have and the way they celebrate scrums as a physical confrontation with their biggest men on the pitch going at it.

“When they get a scrum penalty they celebrate it like a try. It’s amazing. The scrum is everything.”

Northampton have suffered a blow ahead of their Champions Cup semifinal against Leinster today after Lewis Ludlam and Ollie Sleightholme were ruled out by injury.

Ludlam, the club captain, has a shoulder issue, while Sleightholme has been recovering from concussion.

Saints had hoped they might be ready in time for the clash at Croke Park, but they will instead head to Dublin without two key players.

Ludlam’s place in the back row is taken by Sam Graham, while George Hendy is picked on the wing in Sleightholme’s absence.