Paul Gustard praised his Harlequins side for keeping their Challenge Cup knockout qualification in their own hands, and urged them to go out and grab it against Benetton.

The Italians stunned Quins with a last-minute try to go top of Pool 5 last weekend, but with victory over high-flying Exeter Chiefs last month at the Twickenham Stoop, Quins are undoubtedly a different proposition at home.

And, having impressed on both domestic and European fronts in recent weeks, Gustard knows that his players are capable of getting the result they need this time around. 

“As we have in the Premiership, we have picked up important bonus points in this competition and we know that we still have qualification in our own hands so that, allied to our constant desire to improve and be consistent, is all the incentive we need to take into the match,” he said.

Head Coach Gustard has made a raft of changes to the side that lost 26-21 last week, including resting the impressive back-row duo of Alex Dombrandt and Jack Clifford.

No.8 James Chisolm will captain a side that sees all of Harlequins’ England internationals either rested or dropped to the bench.

Highly-rated 22-year-old Lewis Boyce comes in for Joe Marler at loosehead, while Aaron Morris comes replaces Mike Brown at full-back, in a back three that only has 43 top-flight appearances between them.

For Gustard, however, it’s just reward for the impressive performances he has seen put in across the board at Quins this season.

“I’ve been impressed with the entire squad,” he continued.

“I think the aptitude and the attitude, the desire to get better, to listen to the coaching staff, to train a different way – which is what we’re trying to do here - they’ve been challenged more and I’ve been really pleased with the response.”

Benetton, on the other hand, have made only three changes to last week’s winning team.

Giovanni Pettinelli comes in for the injured Marco Barbini on the back-row, while Hame Faiva and Marco Zanon come in at hooker and outside centre respectively.

A win for Harlequins would put them back in contention in Pool 5, and with a home match against Grenoble and an away trip to bottom-placed Agen to come, you would not bet against Gustard’s men qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

And Gustard, who this week described rumours linking him with a place in the Leicester Tigers coaching set-up as “ridiculous” and “nonsense,” can’t wait to get back on home soil after a couple of landmark performances at The Stoop already this campaign.  

 “As a newcomer to the club I’ve had two huge experiences in terms of the Saracens and Exeter performances where I had goosebumps down my back,” he added.

“The atmosphere felt electric; there was an energy around the stadium - there’s not many places you can experience stuff like that.

“For us we know it’s a special place, we want to honour that, to honour the heritage of the club and we’re also very thankful for the supporters.”