Danny Wilson is backing a “wild” plan to outscore global superpowers Toulouse in Sunday’s Champions Cup semi-final.
Toulouse are chasing a record sixth European title, while Harlequins are in their first ever last-four top-tier continental encounter.
The French aristocrats boast the world’s best player in Antoine Dupont, the spine of France’s Test team — and as many as three completely different starting XVs that any club would envy.
Quins know all the dangers of their plan but will go to Toulouse FC’s ground and do it anyway. However wild, the blueprint is anything but feral — and worked a charm in the 42-41 quarter-final win at Bordeaux.
“You’re not going to beat Toulouse without scoring a lot of points,” head coach Wilson told Standard Sport. “Even Leinster last season beat them 41-22 in the semi-final, and that’s Leinster.
“I know it sounds wild, but you’re not going to contain them. You need a different approach from trying to hold them and stop them.
“So our approach will be the same as it was in Bordeaux. We’ll have a real go.”
Wilson arrived at The Stoop last summer, tasked with adding a stiffer spine to Quins’ much-vaunted attacking fluidity.
Even the pragmatist in former Leicester, Glasgow and Scotland coach Wilson cannot get away from the absolute need to jettison any caution against Toulouse’s galacticos, with England’s Marcus Smith crucial to their plan.
Where Toulouse boast superstars even on their bench, Quins and all the English clubs are locked in an era where internal development is vital.
Danny Care and Joe Marler might be the seasoned Test men at Quins’ vanguard, but Wilson pointed out the west Londoners already have the next Care and Marler, and they will be fully involved this weekend.
Will Porter and Fin Baxter are England men of the future, but Wilson insists their time must also be now. “They will both play for England,” said Wilson.
“Will Porter is the next Danny Care, and Fin Baxter’s the next Joe Marler. But they are delivering now, as well. If you constantly only sign heavyweights, it is very difficult for the young guys to come through.
“It is a balancing act, but you need your community to come through, it creates real passion. There is an awful lot of talent in England, but specifically in Quins’ catchment area, too.”
Summarily dismissed by Glasgow in June 2022, Wilson consulted briefly at Leicester before landing with Quins.
The Weston-super-Mare native’s family still live in Scotland for now, with Wilson spending the bulk of his time close to Quins but heading north of the border where possible.
Forced to retire from playing aged just 25 due to a back injury, Wilson has worked his way up the coaching ladder.
The shrewd tactician has already been through the coaching mill, and is determined to harness all those experiences for Quins’ long-term benefit. “It’s been a long path to get here and I’ve experienced all the highs and lows but it doesn’t stop there,” he said.
“We’ve had some real highs this season, and making this stage is a major high. We’ve got a one-off opportunity to push for an even bigger achievement.
“It is about this club and these players realising their ambitions, and if we can make a final, that would be amazing.
“[Ex-Scotland and Australia director of rugby] Scott Johnson said to me that as a coach you’ve either been sacked or you’re waiting to be sacked. That’s the reality of the cut-throat game.
“When it does happen to you, you learn a great deal.”
