Although the top three in the Aviva Premiership have been decided, the final playoff place is still hanging in the balance going into the last game of the season this weekend. Harlequins and Bath will battle for fourth at the Stoop on Saturday in a winner takes all affair.
With Bath only managing a draw at home to second place Northampton, Quins knew it was in their own hands when they stepped out onto the field against the Exeter Chiefs on Sunday. With 50 minutes gone the playoffs seemed nothing but a pipedream as they were trailing by 18 points, but tries from Nick Evans, Danny Care and Tom Guest saw the London club silence the Sandy Park crowd with a last gasp 30-29 victory, leaving them brimming with confidence going into the crucial clash.
Having home advantage in the final game could prove crucial for Quins, with the side having won eight of their previous home games this season.
Elsewhere in the league, first plays third as Leicester welcome Saracens to Welford Road; Sarries have already tied up the league but will want to continue their eight game winning run into the playoffs. Leicester may still have an eye on the second spot that Northampton currently occupy if the Saints slip up at home to Wasps, who themselves have cemented seventh place to be assured of European rugby next year.
At the foot end of the table Worcester will be playing for pride after already having their relegation sealed; they take on Gloucester on Saturday and will be hoping to give the Sixways faithful an enjoyable send off in their final game before playing in the RFU Championship next season.
Other matches include London Irish playing Sale with neither team having too much to play for. With the pressure off on both teams an exciting match could be in prospect. Exeter Chiefs have to make the unenviable 367 mile journey to Newcastle for their last game of the season; the Falcons will be thankful of staving off relegation this season and will be looking to finally put an end to their 15 game losing streak and claim a first victory since October on the final day.
Adam LeRoux
Image courtesy of The Guardian