Bristol and Harlequins have, of course, already met twice so far this season and, even after this European double header, they have a fifth fixture scheduled for March.

It's one apiece thus far, as Bristol triumphed in the pre-season friendly between the two sides (22-27) back in September, and then Quins took the honours in the Guinness Premiership fixture (24-18) in early October.

Both games took place at the Stoop, so the Bristol playing squad and management will be familiar by now with the surroundings !

In recent matches, Bristol have chalked up two of their more memorable cup wins in recent years having defeated Llanelli Scarlets in the EDF Energy Cup and, in the last round of European matches, achieved a win over the much fancied Stade Francais.

Perhaps more important is the fact that Bristol seem to have rediscovered the edge that made the 2006-7 season such a successful campaign, after a slow start to the current season.

We wait to see if Quins can make it 2 out of 3, or whether Bristol will be back to avenge their last defeat.