14 wins in a row, top of the Premiership and looking good in their European and LV Cup groups; things are looking good at the Stoop so far this season. The next two games look set to prove an all together new level of challenge for on form Harlequins when they take on French Champions and early pace setters in the Top 14, Toulouse.

The Quins are already seen by many within the game as Champions elect of England and their encounter with Toulouse will show just how far they are from being a real force to be reckoned with on the European stage. If they can get a result in either game against one of the favourites for the Heineken Cup Trophy they will have to be taken seriously come the business end of the European season.

Quins will be confident they are capable of giving Toulouse a real game. Last month, Gloucester, who have looked mediocre in the Premiership this season gave Toulouse a real run for their money and it took a moment of magic from Poitrenaud to salvage the win for Toulouse. Quins have looked a class above Gloucester so far this season, and if they can turn it on against the French giants the next two encounters could be amongst the games of the season.

The Quins need to ensure they don’t show Toulouse too much respect. With names such as McAlister, Burgess and Pointrenaud to name but a few it is of the utmost importance that Harlequins can impose themselves on the game and not freeze in the face of these, undoubtedly world class performers.

If the Quins can keep their head though, and maintain the form they have shown throughout this campaign so far they will give Toulouse a real game though, particularly in a full Twickenham Stoop Stadium on Friday night. The Quins have seemingly already proved themselves as a domestic force to be reckoned with over the next few years, the next two games give them the chance to prove themselves on the bigger stage.