Director of rugby Conor O’Shea believes the club’s Christmas Big Game no longer gives them the edge it once did.

Quins host Gloucester at Twickenham stadium for Big Game 8 on December 28 on the resumption of Premiership action after back-to-back European Rugby Challenge Cup triumphs over Italian side Calvisano.

Harlequins have become comfortable with playing in front of an 80,000+ crowd, which once gave them an advantage over visitors to west London.

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Star turns: Performances fromth e likes of X Factor finalist Misha B have added to the Big Game atmosphere at Twickenham, making it an occasion both teams relish

But O’Shea, who turned down the chance to replace Jacques Brunel as Italy coach earlier this month, believes the playing field has levelled over time.

“With the likes of James Hook, Ben Morgan, Greg Laidlaw and Charlie Sharples they will be bringing some serious players to the party,” he said.

“It is a great experience for our players, but it is also a great experience now for the opposition.

“It will be brilliant and we are working hard every day to make it a sell out and we are really excited.”

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Catching the eye: Luke Wallace has had an impressive start to the season and could be the sort of dynamic openside that ticks the boxes for new England head coach Eddie Jones