Leicester Tigers lock Louis Deacon believes there is no better way to show they still mean business than downing the reigning champions in their own backyard.
Saturday's Aviva Premiership clash has a familiar feel to it with top-team Leicester taking on second-placed Harlequins at the Stoop.
But while Leicester still hold the envious record of appearing in eight straight finals, the balance of power has shifted at English rugby's top table, Tigers losing the last two showpieces, most recently to Quins.
It took until 2011 for Harlequins to record a second Premiership win over the Tigers since the tournament began in 1997, but since then Quins have taken three of the last four meetings - Conor O'Shea's men triumphing 22-9 in round four.
But with Leicester finally back at the summit for the first time since the end of the 2010/11 season as they wrapped up a fifth-straight win with a 28-12 victory at home to London Welsh last time out, Deacon is urging his Tigers team-mates to drive the point home at the Stoop this weekend.
"The defeat earlier in the season at our place won't so much be on our mind this weekend but it was disappointing to lose the game at home," he said.
"We pride ourselves on our home form so to lose like that was disappointing and it would be nice to get our own back.
"But in general Harlequins have held the bragging rights over us for too long now as they have won the last couple of games at least.
"Everyone wants to turn that around and we know we need to improve to do that and while this weekend will be tough away from home against the champions we are all up for it."
With the Six Nations taking a break this weekend both Leicester and Harlequins could see the reinforcements arrive back from international duty for this top-of-the-table clash.
But no matter who Richard Cockerill names in his matchday 23, Deacon is adamant whoever gets the nod will be ready to go.
"At Tigers we pride ourselves on the guys who come in when others are away on international duty and that is no different," he added.
"With the Six Nations not taking place you do get a raft of players coming back which obviously helps.
"But no matter what happens, during this period Leicester have been strong in the past and we want to continue that this season too."
Comments
Be the first to comment on this story..