Harlequins are preparing to face Bath Rugby on Saturday, in their first match since the 28-22 defeat against Sale Sharks in Manchester a week ago.

Quins sit second in the league, and top of the try scoring charts, with 20 tries scored in just four matches, as they look to return to winning ways and keep the pressure on top of the table Leicester Tigers.

They face a Bath side tomorrow who are still licking their wounds from a 71-17 thrashing at the hands of Saracens, Harlequins’ next opponents.

Bath, who are yet to win this season in the Premiership, suffered a further blow when it was confirmed that Anthony Watson had suffered a ruptured ACL injury against Saracens, and is likely out for the season.

Bath’s last win against Quins came in the 41-27 victory at the Twickenham Stoop in September 2020, as Quins did the double over the West Country side last season.

Quins are in tremendous home form and Tabai Matson is excited for the London side

The head coach said: “We’re really excited to return to a sold-out Stoop this weekend after enjoying two great wins at home in the league this season. There’s always an extra lift when you play at home.

“Despite that first loss of the season up at Sale last Friday, we were pleased with the levels of physicality we brought on the day. We are happy to have picked up the losing bonus point despite the loss."

Whilst the two sides are at opposite ends of the table, and in very different current circumstances, Quins are wary of the threat that Bath possess and will not be taking Stuart Hooper’s side lightly.

Matson added: “It’s always much harder when you face a wounded team and Bath will be after last week’s performance. They have quality people throughout that organisation and we’re preparing for their backlash."

Alex Dombrandt, Marcus Smith, Joe Marler and Joe Marchant are the four Harlequins who have been selected for Eddie Jones’ England squad for the Autumn Nations Series, and Matson is delighted at their inclusion.

He said: “Everyone at the Club is thrilled for Alex, Marcus, Joe and Joe for their England inclusion this week. They have been key figures in Club’s upturn in fortunes over the last year and will huge assets to the national side.”

Quins are on a ten-match win streak at the Stoop, and Bath will have to be at their best to stop the Quins scoring machine.

Bath’s last win away from home came against Newcastle Falcons in March, but they have won two of their previous three fixtures at the Stoop, so they will feel they can take a scalp on Saturday.