Captain Stephan Lewies has urged his Harlequins charges to build on their fine run of form and surge further up the Gallagher Premiership table, as they bid to claim successive home victories for the first time since last August against Sale. 

The south-west Londoners have won each of their last three domestic clashes, having beaten last season’s Premiership runners-up Wasps and Bath on the road before a 37-24 home victory over Leicester Tigers last time out. 

Such success has elevated Quins into the top four and well in the mix for a spot in the semi-finals, but Lewies is wary of the threats posed by a Sale side who sit third and will be itching to get back to winning ways after falling to Bath in Round 9. 

But the South African star is buoyed by his team’s recent performances under the temporary stewardship of Billy Millard, Nick Evans, Jerry Flannery and Adam Jones and believes his growing partnership with Matt Symons in the second row can help see them over the line once again. 

“It was a physical battle against Leicester, and I think this week will be more of the same,” said Lewies. “They’ll bring a lot of line speed and they have a great kicking game, but we have our plans in place and will be ready. 

“We want to perform at home, for ourselves and also for our fans. it was great to get the home win last week and hopefully we can go again. 

“We’ve been getting the basics right recently, and that’s allowed the likes of Marcus [Smith], [Alex] Dombrandt and our other special players to do their thing. 

“I love playing with Symo. He does a great job for 80 minutes week in, week out, and I think we’re both enjoying our rugby at the moment.”

Attack and backs coach Evans believes giving the players added ownership over recent weeks has yielded stronger displays on the pitch, and he expects the team’s confidence to continue growing throughout the remainder of the season. 

Quins’ coaching staff have named an unchanged starting XV for Saturday’s 1pm kick-off, in which centre Joe Marchant is set to make his 100th appearance in the famous Quarters. 

Evans added: “We’ve had some great performances in recent weeks and as a coaching team we’re pleased to see the energy the boys are playing with at the moment. 

“It’s fantastic to see Joe make his 100th club appearance. He’s a seriously skilled centre with a fantastic attitude. 

“Sale will present a real physical challenge for us on Saturday, in addition to a well-rounded game. It’s a challenge that we are looking forward to meeting.”