THE very thought of burning down the establishment has always seemed a thoroughly intriguing one to me.

So, perhaps it's fitting that Harlequins' Premiership stay could be one step closer to going up in smoke this weekend.

Worcester, those little revolutionaries who dared to pop up from National One, have a golden opportunity to leave one of the establishment with a distinct whiff of smoke in their nostrils on a weekend where bonfires will light up Britain.

The Warriors travel to London Irish on Sunday for a game which looks eminently winnable following an expected defeat for Quins at Premiership champions London Wasps.

Worcester are five points ahead of rock bottom Quins, who have now lost seven from seven in their wretched Premiership campaign.

A Warriors victory at the Madejski Stadium could leave the Sixways side level on points with the Irish. Crucially, that would put them ten ahead of Mark Evans' men.

"Victory on Sunday would strike a blow for us," said Worcester's director of rugby John Brain.

"I think if we win and Harlequins lose then, yes, it will heap more pressure on them. It would send out a clear message and it really would strike a blow.

"Saying that, though, I would expect Quins to beat Saracens in their next match in a week's time. It's very tight but if we can win at London Irish then the victory would certainly elevate us in the table. It would also be our first away win in the Premiership."

Brain is satisfied that his Warriors are moving in the right direction. They crashed out of the European Challenge Cup last weekend after an impotent first-half display at Brive, but the former Gloucester lock feels that, domestically at least, Worcester are beginning to find their place at the top table.

"After seven matches, we've earned some respect," he said.

"I think everybody's clear now that we're not another Rotherham but we have to now get some wins on the board.

"That's easier said than done in the Premiership but this weekend could prove to be an important one. Certainly, if we can pick up a few wins before the second-half of the season, then we will be in a good position.

"We had a setback last weekend but the guys have been improving week on week and in their last Premiership match they ran Gloucester very, very close.

"We need to pick up from where we left off against them. The European defeat was disappointing but we've moved on."

Europe for Quins has proved, to some extent, to be a welcome distraction from their Premiership problems. A narrow defeat to Munster was followed up by last weekend's draw with Castres and Evans is desperate for his side to take that form into tonight's clash with Wasps.

"Our performances have been very encouraging over the last four weeks and we must build on these during November, a month in which we have four important matches in the Premiership," said Harlequins' chief executive.

"We have to start putting wins on the board or will find ourselves a long way behind the other teams at the wrong end of the table."

Giscard Pieters will make his first Warriors start on Sunday following his move from the Pumas last month and Brain is confident that his new winger can add a new dimension to Worcester's back line.

"From what we've seen in training, this is an ideal time to introduce him," said Brain. "He's a good finisher, knows where the try-line is and he's quick and strong so we are eager to get him involved."