NEC Harlequins boss Dean Richards insists Saturday's sell-out clash with Wasps will not be any easier despite the west London side having five first-choice players on England duty, writes Stuart Amos.

Josh Lewsey, Joe Worsley, Tim Payne, Tom Palmer and Tom Rees will play in Sunday's Six Nations clash with France at Twickenham, alongside Quins' David Strettle and Nick Easter.

But Richards, whose side are chasing Wasps for a Heineken Cup spot, has warned they will be no pushovers.

"It is going to be a very difficult game and I don't think the fact they have England call-ups will make it any easier," he said.

"They have a quality back line and there are still key individuals such as Lawrence Dallaglio and Simon Shaw available, to name but two.

"There are no easy games in this league - irrespective of who is missing - because there is so much strength in depth.

"David and Nick will be a loss to us but, much like Wasps, we have the likes of Simon Keogh, Ugo Monye and Chris Hala'Ufia to step in."

Quins have come a long way since a 42-23 defeat in Wycombe earlier this season and will be looking to put last week's 27-22 defeat at Leicester Tigers behind them.

They will run out in front of a 12,600 capacity crowd on Saturday for the first time this season, and Richards believes that is a tribute to the loyalty fans have shown in recent years.

But he thinks the Stoop is a little way off growing into the fortress he enjoyed at Welford Road, where he received a warm reception last week.

"It is becoming more and more difficult for teams to come here and we want to continue that," he added.

"Last year, a hard core of fans almost became part of the team and it is amazing to see how far we have come since being promoted.

"We are the only genuine London team and are generating more and more support."