Harlequins v Saracens – Match Preview
Kick-off 3pm, Twickenham Stoop
Harlequins have not beaten Saracens in the Premiership for almost five years and head coach Danny Wilson is determined to put an end to that sorry record.
Quins’ last victory over their London rivals came in January 2020. Sarries secured comprehensive victories last season – 38-10 away and 52-7 – resulting in Wilson issuing a rallying call to his squad ahead of today’s game.
He said: “I don’t think we did ourselves justice against them last year and we certainly want to do that at home. We must put in a good performance our fans can be proud of.”
Saracens go into this round of matches top of the table after three bonus point wins proving there is life after Owen Farrell and the Vunipola brothers.
Wilson said: “They’re a very well-coached side full of quality rugby players.
“Although they’ve lost a few players, when you look at what they’ve replaced them with and what’s coming through, there’s some real quality. They’ve always been a strong Premiership team.”
Back at 10: Marcus Smith is ready for action
PICTURES: Getty Images
Harlequins lost 33-19 at Northampton last week with their only win of the season coming against Newcastle following their opening night defeat to Sale.
Quins led 22-12 at half-time against Saints but had to settle for two bonus points.
Learning from mistakes
“This week has been about making sure that we take our learnings from Northampton and putting those into the Saracens game, fully aware of what they are capable of and how good they can be,” said Wilson.
“The half-time feeling was we were pretty dominant. It could have been more than 22-12. We scored and then let them in a little bit too easily and that was the frustration.
“But the real positive is that we were away at the champions and were pretty dominant for the first half. The yellow card after half-time and the period that followed was a tough one. It depleted our batteries.
“We got the bench on early and they made a difference – we finished the stronger of the two teams, scoring more in the last 20 minutes.”
Lewies back captaining
Stephan Lewies again captains the side against Saracens in the absence of Alex Dombrandt, who broke his hand in defeat to Sale and will be out for a couple more weeks.
“That armband is a little bit cursed because I’ve got it back so soon,” said Lewies, below, who relinquished the captaincy in the summer having led the side for four injury-hit years.
“For me, it was actually enjoyable just taking a step back, trying to focus on my rugby and getting back to my best. Hopefully Alex will be back soon, and he can step up and lead us from the front again.”
Quins make three changes to their XV. Dino Lamb comes in at blindside, Cadan Murley is back on the wing following injury and Leigh Halfpenny is at full-back. Joe Marler returns to the matchday squad as an impact player.
Marcus Smith, who scored two tries playing full-back against Northampton, reverts to the No.10 shirt.
Lewies added: “Marcus is one of the best players in the world, whether at 10 or 15 – it doesn’t matter. He’s the ultimate competitor.
“He brings people with him wherever he goes in terms of his professionalism. I’m very excited for his future career – he’s already done so much in the Quins jersey, but I think there’s a lot more for him to achieve.”
On today’s challenge against Saracens Lewies added: “We’re at home in front of our own fans again, so it’s something to get excited about. It’s also another opportunity for us to grow as a team. To keep learning, keep getting better – that’s my goal.”
Teams
HARLEQUINS: Halfpenny, David, Beard, Anyanwu, Murley, Smith, Porter; Baxter, Walker, Lamositele, Herbst, Lewies (c), Lamb, Kenningham, Chisholm Replacements: Jibulu, Marler, Lewis, Launchbury, Cunningham-South, W Evans, Care, J Evans
SARACENS: Goode, Elliott, Lozowski, Tompkins, Daly, Burke, van Zyl; Carre, George, Riccioni, Itoje (c), Isiekwe, Gonzalez, Onyeama-Christie, Earl Replacements: Dan, Mawi, Clarey, Tizard, Willis, Knight, Simpson, Cinti
Referee: Christophe Ridley
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