England scrum half Danny Care is preparing himself for "one of the biggest games I've ever played in domestically" when the Heineken Cup returns this weekend.
The Harlequins No 9 will be facing a number of the Irish side he met during his brief appearance in England's Six Nations game at Croke Park this season, although this time he's banking on a different result when Brian O'Driscoll arrives at the Twickenham Stoop in Leinster colours.
"It's going to be a massive game against Leinster. They are playing really well and it's going to be a really big challenge for us," said Care.
"But we are coming off the back of two good wins and we're really looking forward to the challenge. We can't wait for it really.
"It would be great to get a win in what is one of the biggest games I've ever played in domestically.
"Playing in the Heineken Cup is more like playing in an international game. We met some great French players against Stade Francais and now we'll be meeting some great Irish players coming off the back of a brilliant Six Nations.
"Their confidence will be high and they are playing some great rugby, so I think it could be a great game."
Care chipped in with a vital drop goal as Harlequins warmed-up for their first Heineken Cup quarter-final in 11 years with a 19-3 victory at Bath last weekend. That victory was just the boost the Londoners' needed ahead of their European clash.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game at Bath. The Recreation Ground is one of the toughest places to go, so it was brilliant for us to get a win and stop them getting a bonus point," said Care.
"But we won't be resting on our laurels this week. We will work really hard.
"If you ask anyone in the squad they'd tell you we have a chance of winning either competition we're involved in.
"We want to win something this year. The confidence is high and the belief in the group is very good as well."
That is a view backed up by Quins South African international hooker Gary Botha, named as man of the match against Bath.
"We're looking to build on last weekend's win and carry the momentum into next weekend's game against Leinster," said Botha.
"We've got a young bunch of players - our average age is 24 - and we are going from strength to strength. We know that without being at the top of the Premiership we can't play in the Heineken Cup, but we want to get stuck into the Heineken Cup as well.
"The two wins over Stade Francais gave us character. But we have to use that character and get stuck into tough games like this weekend."
Botha is delighted that the club decided against moving the game across the road to Twickenham Stadium and can't wait to run out in front of a packed Stoop on Sunday. With only two defeats in 13 games ta home this season - both to London Irish - they are ready to take on all-comers.
"The Stoop is working well for us and we've turned it into a bit of a fortress. We are looking forward to playing there," said Botha.
"Leinster are a good team, but we have to focus on ourselves. We know we are in for a tough match, but if we can play Quins style then we can take this forward.
"The reason I decided to come to the UK to play my rugby was to play in the Heineken Cup.
"It would be tremendous to reach a Heineken Cup final - a dream come true."
