Quins' European clash could end in farce

Harlequins look certain to be dragged into a farcical bid for European Shield glory against Newcastle on Sunday because the clash may be reduced to uncontested scrums.

Hookers Keith Wood and Tani Fuga were both injured in the lead-up to the semi-final and, though Wood is definitely out, Fuga will have his damaged ankle strapped up to play because tournament organisers won't allow a replacement.

Fuga spent two days hobbling around on crutches after his injury and has not trained with the team. If, as expected, he doesn't last the game, referee Jim Fleming has said he will enforce uncontested scrums because Quins do not have a specialist hooker on the replacements bench.

The winners will play either Agen or Narbonne in the final at Leicester on 20 May.

No matter how confidently the Quins players have talked this week about keeping focused on the job in hand, the hooking controversy has affected their preparations.

Quins rediscovered their self-belief in the Shield this season and their league form improved dramatically thanks to a quarter-final win at Brive, but now injury and rigid rules have conspired to undermine their chances of making the final.

Quins coach Richard Hill said: "As soon as we were safe in the Premiership, the Shield became our top priority and our good form stemmed from the quarter-final win we achieved in Brive . It was the start of our mini-revival.

"This is a massive game for the club because the winners of the Shield will gain automatic qualification for next season's Heineken Cup and this is our only route into that tournament. That win in Brive was all about character and the same will be true on Sunday." Newcastle's biggest threat comes from England fly half Jonny Wilkinson.