Harlequins vs Stade Francais: Danny Care set for fitness test ahead of Challenge Cup opener

Euro challenge: Quins need Danny Care
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Chris Jones11 October 2016

Danny Care must pass a fitness test today to lead Harlequins against a Stade Francais side who welcome back captain Sergio Parisse for the clash at the Twickenham Stoop.

Care damaged rib cartilage in the 17-10 defeat of Saracens a fortnight ago and has stepped up training this week in a bid to prove he is ready to return for Quins’ opening game of the European Challenge Cup.

If Care gets through today’s session he will start on Thursday and will be needed against a Stade side that are transformed when Italy veteran Parisse is available.

Parisse has been out of the Stade team since September 24, having served a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle against Toulouse.

The sending off was viewed as harsh as Parisse was getting up off the ground when he grabbed opposite number Gillian Galan and lifted him by the shorts.

Another Stade player tackled the Toulouse No8 and his head and neck made contact with the floor producing a red card for Parisse from the referee.

Without Parisse, Stade lost to Paris rivals Racing 92 last weekend 29-22 and are ninth in the Top 14, with Quins having moved up to eighth in the Premiership after their 20-9 win over Northampton.

Quins lost to Montpellier in the Challenge Cup Final last season and Care has not forgotten that disappointment. He said: “It wasn’t a nice dressing room to be in last season when we lost the final. Hopefully we can go one step further this year. We can’t wait to welcome Stade to the Stoop.”

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