Match Preview: Harlequins v Saracens

Edward Munro-MartinEdward Munro-Martin3 min read
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Match Preview: Harlequins v Saracens

It seems nearly impossible for a team to carry on a win streak for the length of time the Saracens have done this season (15 out of 15 including last season and European Champions Cup) but they have done it and achieved it well.

They are not the flashiest team on the planet, but they do the basics to a phenomenal level and are patient for their chances and do not waste those that they get. They have some backs that can really cut loose and some young forwards who are destined to be stars of the future.

But the question this weekend is, do Harlequins have what it takes to topple the Champions and the form team in Europe, or will the win streak continue?

Saracens have once again shown their amazing strength in depth, as they have managed to rotate multiple players, but still name a very strong side.

David Rogers/Getty Images SportThe front row that performed so well last week of Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Petrus Du Plessis, all start again this week in a hope to do to Quins what they did to the Tigers, with Jamie George skippering the side.

In the engine room, Jim Hamilton comes in to replace Maro Itoje, whilst George Kruis continues after his Man of the Match performance last week. In the back row, Michael Rhodes has been rested and one of many successful academy players, Jackson Wray, will wear the six shirt.

Will Fraser will make one last push on the openside, to try and make Eddie Jones’ first England squad, and Billy Vunipola will make his 50th appearance for the club.

In the backs, Niel De Kock comes in at scrum-half and is partnered by the form English fly-half, Owen Farrell. Brad Barritt has not been risked due to a slight knock, so Duncan Taylor is paired with Marcelo Bosh in the centres.

David Rogers/Getty Images SportChris Wyles has also been rested and is replaced by sevens convert, Mike Ellery. Chris Ashton will be on the right wing and Alex Goode is at fullback.

The bench is made up of Jared Saunders, Rhys Gill, Titi Lamositele, Maro Itoje, Jacques Burger, Richard Wigglesworth, Charlie Hodgson and Nick Tompkins.

Harlequins have made four changes from the side that beat Worcester Warriors last weekend. In the front row, Joe Marler will be competing to continue as England’s first-choice loosehead prop, alongside Rob Buchanan and international retired Welshman Adam Jones.

Charlie Matthews continues his partnership with summer signing James Horwill. At the back of the scrum, Chris Robshaw will make a big effort to still be in the England side after such a bad run of performances, at blindside, as Luke Wallace starts on the openside alongside youngster Jack Clifford at number eight.

In the backs, captain Danny Care starts at scrum-half with Kiwi Nick Evans continuing pulling the strings at fly-half. Jamie Roberts and George Lowe will hope that they can continue to gel as a pair in the centres.

David Rogers/Getty Images SportIn the back three, Marland Yarde has come in for Charlie Walker and on the other wing Ross Chisholm continues to start, with Mike Brown hoping that he can show off against his biggest rival in front of the new Head Coach.

The bench is made up of Dave Ward, Seb Adeniran-Olule, Will Collier, George Merrick, Nick Easter, Karl Dickson, Tim Swiel and Harry Sloan.

My key match-up for this game is the two fullbacks.

Alex Goode has great footballing ability and can come in as a second first receiver, which means you can attack both left and right, whereas Mike Brown is better in the air and quicker than Alex Goode. Also, they are competing for the England shirt and at the moment, Alex Goode is winning the battle.

My prediction is that Saracens will continue their win streak and leave with a bonus point, whilst Harlequins will get nothing.

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