"They were brilliant last year" – Chris Robshaw: Former England captain backs Harlequins for another long run in the Champions Cup

12/03/2024 08:22 AM

Former England and Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw, is optimistic about how the London club will perform in the upcoming Investec Champions Cup. Harlequins commence their campaign this weekend, as they head over to Paris for an opening round battle with Racing 92.

The intriguing narrative of Marcus Smith vs Owen Farrell is set to take the pre-match headlines, with Harlequins hoping to repeat last season’s 31-28 victory in the French capital. Robshaw is excited about his old team's chances of repeating their deep run from last season, as the thrilling campaign saw Quins reach the semi-finals for the first time. The former back row believes they have the tools to challenge Europe's elite once again.

Reflecting on last year's quarter-final victory away against Bordeaux-Begles, Robshaw said: "They (Harlequins) were brilliant last year. I don't think many people gave them much chance, but going down to Bordeaux and winning the way they did, 42-41, or something crazy like that, it was a very typical Harlequins way!"

Robshaw is excited about the mix of youth and experience in the current squad, with plenty of England experience brimming in the famous quarters. "They've got a real good bit of steel. You look at Fin Baxter, you look at Chandler Cunningham-South. And of course, you've got the established guys like Danny Care and those middle players like Alex Dombrandt, Will Evans, and Marcus Smith, who are now key for that team."

Robshaw is confident that Harlequins can compete at the highest level, but acknowledges the challenge of maintaining form across both the Premiership and Champions Cup. "Unfortunately, I think that took a little bit out of them towards the end of the Premiership… It's hard to do both."

Looking back at Harlequins' semi-final loss to Toulouse, Robshaw sees it as a valuable learning experience. "To go to Toulouse and put on a good show, a couple of bounces of the ball, and it could have gone a different way. But when you're up against a player like Antoine Dupont and a team full of internationals, it's hard to compete." That match underscored the fine margins in elite European rugby, and Robshaw is optimistic that those lessons will serve Quins well in their quest to go one step further this season.

Their opening clash against Racing 92 promises to be a spectacle, with Marcus Smith squaring off against Owen Farrell in one of the tournament's marquee matchups. Robshaw highlighted the intrigue: "Farrell's first outing in a new jersey in the Champions Cup, going up against Smith, will be fascinating. And with Stuart Lancaster coaching Racing, there's a lot of English interest in this game."

Robshaw also weighed in on the impact of South African teams in the Champions Cup, which forced the name change from the European Cup. "It's now a global tournament, and the South African sides have added a new dimension. The Sharks and Stormers, these teams are basically full of internationals. That's what playing in the Investec Champions Cup is about, isn't it? Playing against teams full of world-class players."

The back row compared it to his own experiences facing European heavyweights: "I remember playing against Leinster and Toulouse, teams full of internationals. As a young player, you think, 'this is what it's all about.'" For Robshaw, the South African teams bring a unique challenge, not only in terms of their playing quality but also the logistical hurdles they pose. "Logistically, there's still a bit to work out, especially with home and away fixtures. But for the players, getting a week in Cape Town or Durban isn't the worst thing in the world."

Despite the challenges, Robshaw sees the inclusion of South African teams as a net positive for the competition. "The games on TV, even if there are only 10,000 people in a 50,000-seater stadium, back home that'd be a full house. For me, they've added a good dimension to the competition." He also noted the physical and tactical test these teams provide, which he believes will ultimately make players better.

As Harlequins prepare for another European campaign, Robshaw is confident that they have the talent and resilience to make another deep run. With a blend of experienced internationals and promising youngsters, Quins are well-positioned to navigate the rigors of both domestic and European competitions. Their journey begins this weekend, and all eyes will be on their clash with Racing 92 as they aim to build on last season's success.

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