Kafer hit by grim reality check

Four years ago this week Rod Kafer was on top of the rugby world, but these days he is experiencing the grim realities of life near the bottom of the Zurich Premiership.

The Australian 1999 World Cup winner retired from playing in the summer to succeed Wayne Shelford as head coach of Saracens. His team's scratchy form, a lengthy injury list and international absentees have combined to make his first coaching job difficult.

London Irish, who will be without No8 Chris Sheasby for three months after he suffered an eye injury, visit Saracens on Sunday. Fiji flyhalf Nicky Little will start for Sarries after returning from the World Cup, but they have almost a full first-choice line-up unavailable.

"Having half-a-dozen players away at the World Cup makes things difficult enough, but we've then had another six or seven players suffering long-term injury," said Kafer. "I knew this first half of the season would be difficult, but my philosophy is always to get on with it."

Tomorrow Harlequins are at home to Northampton whileWasps travel to Leicester.

Tani Fuga and Mike Worsley return to Quins' front row, while fly-half Paul Burke has recovered from a calf strain to replace Andy Dunne.

Wasps may give Rob Howley a start at scrumhalf instead of the in-form Peter Richards.