Richards sets the standard

Richards: No let-up

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Harlequins coach Dean Richards will not accept any drop in standards as his side chase Guinness Premiership glory.

Quins moved to the top of the Premiership table after a 60-14 thumping of Worcester on Wednesday night, and they now head to third-placed Bath on Saturday.

It is tight at the top though, with just two points separating the top five teams, but Quins now have a great chance of landing a home draw in the play-offs.

With so much at stake, Quins rugby director Richards says his side must maintain the standards they have set during the season.

"Everybody can see there is the opportunity to get into the play-offs," said Richards.

Pressure

"I am not going to put pressure on the guys saying you have to finish in the play-offs, but I will say you have to put it in every week, you have to play to your potential.

"Providing you have the ambition to improve and the willingness to play with each other and to the highest level, then you will improve."

Quins have just one win at the Recreation Ground since 1999 but will hope to add anther in their high-profile clash on Saturday.

Bath will be without captain Michael Lipman though, as he suffered a neck injury during their midweek victory over Wasps.

At the other end of the table, Bristol could again be relegated for the third time in Premiership history if they lose against London Irish and Worcester beat Saracens.

Relegation

Worcester are currently nine points above Bristol, with two of their remaining league fixtures at home, although current form suggests the relegation issue might stretch into another week.

The Warriors have conceded 97 points in their last two games, although Saracens will head to the west midlands without a league away win since October 1.

"It is very difficult for us to front-up three times in six days, and we are looking over our shoulder," said Warriors rugby director Mike Ruddock.

"We have some walking wounded at the moment, but we will get the best team we can on the pitch at Sixways and aim to hit the levels we did to beat Gloucester.

"Bristol are a fine team and they are starting to play well now - but it is in our hands."