Harlequins will look to set the tone for the season’s run-in when they sign off before their big break by hosting Leicester at The Stoop on Friday night.
Quins can top the Gallagher Premiership table, at least for a few hours, with a win this evening, and are determined to end a gruelling stint in victorious fashion.
The 10-team league leaves sides facing almost two months off after this weekend while the Six Nations swings into action.
This round of league fixtures represents the only time when top-flight teams must do without their Test stars, but Quins have still fielded a potent lineup.
Summer Cardiff recruit Jarrod Evans will be looking to boss the backline from fly-half, with World Cup winner Andre Esterhuizen an ever-potent presence at 12.
Quins will return from their break by facing city rivals Saracens at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 23, in another motivating factor to finish this fixture run on a high.
“This week we have to change things around because the international players are away in camp, but that’s a great challenge for us, and a big opportunity for the boys that come in,” said rugby director Billy Millard.
“We’ve got some players coming back from injury and others looking to make their mark, and it’s a massive game for us before the break.”
Northampton will expect to end the weekend on top of the table, given that they host basement club Newcastle on Saturday, but Quins are focused on retaining second spot.
England lock Joe Launchbury will captain Quins for the first time, with Fin Baxter, Jack Walker and Will Collier forming a strong front row.
Will Joseph returns at outside centre, with Louis Lynagh, Nick David and Tyrone Green all in hot recent form and combining in the back three.
