NEIL BACK, the sporting embodiment of the slogan "small is beautiful", will perform before an armchair audience of millions today when the BBC screens the second half of Leicester's European Cup quarter final against Harlequins at Welford Road.
The high profile return of the former England open side for his first home game of the season could hardly be more timely given that the Tigers are defending an unbeaten run in Europe while England are poised for next Saturday's international against Italy at Twickenham.
Back, of course, is no longer a member of the England squad, but he nurses the hope that a series of compelling displays for Leicester may earn him an international recall. Having, served a six month ban for pushing the referee, Steve Lander, at the end of last season's Pilkington Cup final, Back marked his comeback with a try in last week's Anglo Welsh Cup victory at Neath.
"In the first minute, the Neath pack rolled right over me and I just felt happy to be back," said Back, who resumes his old firm partnership with Dean Richards and John Wells for the Quins match. "During my lay off I continued to train hard with help from Dave Reddings, an RFU fitness adviser, and I have never felt as strong and fresh as I do today.
Bob Dwyer, Leicester's director of rugby, regards Back as an indispensable element in the revolution he wants to carry through at a club renowned for its obsession with the rolling maul. "Neil has pace, great hands and terrific upperbody strength for a man who is supposed to be on the small side," says the former Wallabies coach.
Back acknowledged that his time may have come after years of being described as too small, too lightweight and therefore too peripheral for Test rugby. (He is 5ft 10in and 14st 7lb).
"I suppose my strengths are keeping the ball alive, recycling it under pressure and setting up positive links with the backs," he reflected. "Hopefully, I can utilise those skills in the flexible 15 man game we want to play and perhaps attract the attention of the England management who have not been in touch with me since I was banned. I hope that's just because I haven't been playing rugby."
Back who has five caps, has always stick to his explanation that the push on Lander was a case of mistaken identity he allegedly thought Bath's Andy Robinson was in his way but, in any case the Leicester faithful have no doubt that their favourite pocket battleship was more victim than villain.
"Each time I came down to watch Leicester play, the first question supporters asked me was: `What date will you start playing again?' I've received a warm welcome back here," he said.
Certainly Back's moment of madness - if that is what it was - remains wholly out of character with his previous sporting life. The blond haired flanker is noted for his sportsmanship and fair play in an all action position not normally associated with those unfashionable qualities. Indeed, it is hard to find a single critic who has ever seen Back land a punch on an opponent - which makes that costly push doubly mystifying.
However, all that is history so far as Back is concerned. "I'll focus my energies totally on beating Harlequins, who are a very strong side as their form in the league this season demonstrates promised Back.
"Whoever wins this game could go all the way in the competition. Our previous meetings with Harlequins have always been close affairs, but I'm confident the crowd will see something to enjoy with so many good players on the field. It's a big opportunity for everyone to show what they can do".
Carling is back at centre for multi national Harlequins injuries having curtailed plans to play him at fly half where he has been trying to carve out a new career since stepping down from the England captaincy.
Now, though, he knows he has no margin for error following Phil De Glanville's appointment as his successor. And Dwyer is determined to make a success of his new career in England.
The pair's last meeting in a quarter final was in the World Cup in Cape Town last year when Rob Andrew settled the issue, but this time Dwyer's men should hold the forward edge.
Meanwhile Cardiff's Jonathan Davies, 34, needs a good match for Cardiff against Bath to press his claims for a recall to the Welsh side to face Australia next month, having been drafted back into the national squad this week.
"The European Cup is probably the main reason why I am enjoying my rugby so much," said
"Players generally, and I'm no exception, have really taken to it because some of the club rugby you see in Wales can be pretty soft and meaningless. European competition is a totally different standard.
"Being in the Wales squad again is a bonus for me, but all my thoughts at the moment are about beating Bath.
"It is going to be like an international on Saturday. I don't care if it is 3-0, as long as we win."
The winners of the Harlequins and Leicester clash will meet the victors of the all French game between Dax and Cup holders Toulouse.
On display will be 21 year old French first choice centre Castaignede who opposes his international partner, Dax's Richard Dourthe.
Castaignede, whose drop kick won the Five Nations match against England last season, is regretting his criticism of the English teams in the Cup since his club's 77 point battering by Wasps.
Brie should ensure a second French name in the semi finals at the expense of Llanelli in the last quarter final.
