John Kingston is under no illusion at how difficult it is to go to Sale Sharks and come away with a result.

A commanding 50-point performance against Northampton Saints in the final game of 2017 has given Quins momentum ahead of the weekend’s clash at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Quins now sit seventh in the table just two points behind fifth place Newcastle and seven behind Gloucester in fourth.

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Director of rugby John Kingston names the same pack as that which dismantled Saints with Dave Ward captaining the side from hooker.

Ross Chisholm will fill the fullback post, after Mike Brown sustained a minor knock whilst Tim Visser and Charlie Walker look to build on their seven try haul in December.

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Both Quins and Sale are fielding a glut of internationals with Danny Care and Faf de Klerk just one of many key match ups at scrum half.

The sides last met in October with Quins winning 42-26 in a nine-try thriller at The Stoop.

Kingston will take confidence in his side’s recent Big Game 10 victory, yet will not underestimate the power of home advantage.

He said: “Sale have dismantled both Gloucester and, more recently, Bath at home this season.

“They have shown what a huge threat they now pose with quality across the team.

"We are acutely aware of how tough the challenge on Saturday is but are determined to try to finish this run of Premiership matches with a crucial win on the road.”

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