Evans: We must beat Ospreys twice

14 April 2012

Harlequins chief executive Mark Evans today called on his team to pull off two back-to-back victories over the Neath-Swansea Ospreys to stay in the Heineken Cup.

Quins have opened their campaign in pool four with a defeat at Munster and a home draw with Castres. The Ospreys have started with two defeats against the same opposition.

Ahead of Sunday's clash at St Helens, Evans said: "Realistically, we need two victories against the Ospreys if we are to stay in contention of reaching the knockout stages.

"It will be a genuine cup tie with the winner staying alive in the tournament for another week and the other facing the prospect of going out.

"Having won three games in a row, there is a renewed confidence within the team."

Quins welcome back centre Will Greenwood from international duty. He will partner Dafydd James in the middle in the only change to the team which started their victory over Leeds last weekend.

London Wasps announced today that their clash with Leicester is sold out at the Causeway Stadium, giving the home side an extra edge before next weekend's return trip.

Warren Gatland, the Wasps director of rugby, said: "We're looking forward to an atmosphere which we expect to rival the raucous crowd that cheered us on against Leicester in the Premiership two weeks ago.

"It is crucial that we secure a win this weekend and we certainly need all the fan support we can get at home before entering enemy territory."

Leicester coach John Wells is confident three of his England forwards will recover from knocks and play.

Props Graham Rowntree (hamstring), Julian White (shoulder) and No8 Martin Corry (ankle), have been named in the starting line-up.

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