Roth and Quins lead the charge in Shield
October 27, 2000

Harlequins and Rotherham go into this weekend's European Shield fixtures with the intention of redressing the balance in European rugby.

Pool Five leaders Quins face their toughest task to date on Saturday, a difficult mission at Dax, with Pool Three top dogs Rotherham visiting Bridgend.

London Irish welcome back Welsh lock Steve Williams after injury for the Pool Six clash in Piacenza, and Bristol go to Italy, where Pool Seven opponents Parma await them.

Bristol beat Parma 61-14 a week ago, but player/coach Dean Ryan knows all about the dangers of complacency.

"Human nature being what it is, there's always bound to be a danger of complacency creeping in," Ryan said.

"I will be getting the message over that we must go into this match properly.

"Back-to-back games against the same opponents are always tough, and Parma will now know a lot more about us than they did prior to last weekend."

Newcastle also bid for a quickfire double, hosting Begles-Bordeaux in Pool One on Sunday after recording an impressive away win five days ago.

Sale, the only English club that a last-eight spot looks beyond, entertain Pool Four leaders Agen on Saturday.

Sale crashed 44-9 against the same opponents last time out, and are without experienced forwards Jon Thiel (broken nose) and Rob Appleyard (ankle strain).

"We are determined to do well against Agen because we feel that the scoreline didn't do us justice over there," said Sale rugby director Adrian Hadley.

"We let ourselves down because we were the better side for much of the game."

Unlike in the Heineken Cup, Welsh clubs are struggling, with Cross Keys, Neath, Bridgend, Ebbw Vale and Caerphilly all facing early exits.

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