Monye - Quins on the up

Wasps looking to close 10-point gap

Last updated: 3rd January 2009

Monye:

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Harlequins continue the push for a Guinness Premiership play-off place against London rivals Wasps on Sunday, with their England wing Ugo Monye insisting: "We have come a long way."

Quins had a December to remember, claiming back-to-back Heineken Cup victories over French giants Stade Francais before drawing 26-26 with Leicester in front of a 50,000 Premiership record attendance at Twickenham.

It is domestic business that now occupies sixth-placed Quins over the next two weekends, with Wasps at Adams Park, followed by a home game against Worcester.

Monye, who will be up against his England colleague Paul Sackey on Sunday, said: "It has been a huge month for Harlequins.

"Home and away wins against Stade have probably been two of the best results Harlequins have ever seen, and then to bring 50,000 to the home of English rugby, we've come a long way.

Tough month

"Given the tough month we've had, I think Harlequins a few years ago would have crumbled. But with the belief and trust and the coaching team we have got, we have a tremendous amount of spirit and ability to go out and play rugby.

"Belief is a massive part of what we are about. We are really creating momentum and confidence in the way we are playing.

"Our aim is to get into the play-offs, and if we can keep this momentum then there is more to come.

"It really helps that we (the players) are good friends off the pitch, because it means on the pitch we are willing to put our heads into dark places and fight for each other.

"You really do want to play for your team, and that bond we have off the pitch translates on to the pitch."

Quins are 10 points above Wasps in the Premiership and they have already beaten them once this season - a thumping 32-10 victory at the Twickenham Stoop in mid-November.

Wasps boss Ian McGeechan remains upbeat about his team mounting a play-off challenge, but four defeats from their last six league starts suggests the reigning Premiership champions are some way off being top-four material.

McGeechan welcomes back several of his England internationals tomorrow - Danny Cipriani, Phil Vickery and Tom Rees are among them - but absentees include Josh Lewsey (hamstring), Tom Palmer (shoulder) and Joe Worsley (hand).