Marcus Smith expecting 'massive' occasion as English rivals clash in the Champions Cup

Harlequins are set to face off with Sale Sharks for a place in the quarter final of the Champions Cup, with Marcus Smith expected to play a starring role.

Both clubs may view this as the only way they can lift some silverware this season, as their PREM campaigns are effectively over with the pair having no realistic chance of making the playoffs.

Quins and Sale have secured three wins apiece in the league this campaign, leaving them sitting seventh and ninth, respectively, with the pair desperate to finish in the top eight to secure Champions Cup rugby for next season.

Fans will be encouraged that this is possible after their impressive victory over Bristol Bears last weekend; however, Smith is aiming to take the rest of their domestic season step by step.

The England international said: “It's not the season we wanted in the Premiership so far; we're hoping we can finish on a high in that league.”

Smith has been key in their European campaign, particularly with his performance away in France against two-time champions La Rochelle.

Marcus Smith of Harlequins kicks a conversion during the Investec Champions Cup match between Harlequins and Aviron Bayonnais (Getty Images)

The 27-year-old and his teammates will be aiming to put a similar performance in this weekend to progress, sending their fans home with beaming smiles and planning their next outing where they will face either Leinster or Edinburgh.

Smith will be expected to take centre stage at the Twickenham Stoop in the clash against Sale this Saturday evening, and he is ready to take on the responsibility once again.

The British and Irish Lion said: “One thing that we're really proud about is our Champions Cup form. We always treat it with a massive respect that it deserves as a competition, and we're very privileged that we have a massive knockout home game for our fans to enjoy.

“Fingers crossed we can deliver the result that they deserve.

“It's not been easy, but these are the moments that you want to be a part of. And we're all super excited.”

Marcus Smith speaks to SPORTbible thanks to Optimum Nutrition, the UK’s No.1 Sports Nutrition brand: www.optimumnutrition.com/en-gb