Zurich Premiership Preview
January 25, 2002

Harlequins' Powergen Cup hero Paul Burke has stressed the crucial importance of a Zurich Premiership win against Northampton at The Stoop on Saturday.

Quins, despite reaching the domestic cup semi-finals following a thrilling Burke-inspired victory over Leicester last Saturday, are desperate for league points.

They've lost their last five Premiership games, meaning a slump to 10th place, just three points above bottom club Leeds.

"The cup win against Leicester provided a fantastic day for the club, but the league is our priority," said Irish international fly-half Burke.

"I would swap the cup victory for a win against Northampton. We have never doubted our ability, but we have gifted teams things in the past few Premiership matches."

A Quins triumph would take them above eighth-placed Northampton, but Saints have been transformed by new coach Wayne Smith, and they know that success at The Stoop would mean top-six status.

Newcastle will climb even higher if they beat Kingston Park visitors and Premiership strugglers Wasps on Sunday.

The Falcons, if they secure a maximum five-point haul, will overtake Gloucester in second place, albeit 15 points behind champions-elect Leicester from the same number of matches played.

Newcastle's Scottish international flanker Andrew Mower is poised to make a first start since December 9, when he broke a bone in his hand playing against Saracens.

"It has been very frustrating, especially as I missed the first part of the season," said Mower, who won three caps during Scotland's autumn Test series.

"But I am now fully fit, and I can't wait to get back playing again."

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