Harlequins have named their matchday squad for Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership season opener against Sale Sharks at the Salford Community Stadium (KO 15:00 – live on TNT Sports).
The squad boasts a combined 1,549 first-team appearances, with Jack Kenningham and Nick David set to earn their 50th Harlequins cap, alongside competitive debuts for new recruits Titi Lamositele and Leigh Halfpenny.
In the forwards, recent England debutant Fin Baxter packs down with Jack Walker and Lamositele in the front-row. Irne Herbst and Stephan Lewies combine at second-row, with Kenningham and Will Evans on the flanks. Alex Dombrandt captains the squad at number eight.
Looking for consistency, scrum-half Will Porter and Jarrod Evans continue their halves partnership from pre-season, with Lennox Anyanwu at inside centre and Luke Northmore at 13. Oscar Beard and Nick David provide versatility on the wings, with debutant Halfpenny named at fullback.
That means there is only a place on the bench for England fly-half Marcus Smith after he missed pre-season due to playing a key role during England’s summer internationalsy H.
Harlequins: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Nick David, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Lennox Anyanwu, 11 Oscar Beard, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Will Porter, 8 Alex Dombrandt (c), 7 Will Evans, 6 Jack Kenningham, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Irne Herbst, 3 Titi Lamositele, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Fin Baxter
Replacements: 16 Nathan Jibulu, 17 Jordan Els, 18 Simon Kerrod, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Dino Lamb, 21 Danny Care, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Cassius Cleaves
RUCK’s Premiership predictions:
The new Premiership campaign will get underway on Friday, with Bath Rugby taking on Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons playing Bristol Bears live on TNT Sports.
Here’s what the RUCK reporters predict for the first weekend of action.
Premiership Predictions:
Newcastle Falcons vs Bristol Bears
Harvey Allen’s Prediction (Newcastle Falcons Reporter):
“Both sides have recruited well whilst downsizing their squads, but Newcastle have taken a larger hit from injuries,” says Harvey Allen. Looking back at last year’s close encounter, where Bristol Bears came out on top, Allen predicts a repeat result, stating, “I’m predicting the same this time round.”
Ben Thorne’s Prediction (Bristol Bears Reporter):
Ben Thorne expects an improved campaign from the Falcons, especially with Steve Diamond now in the Director of Rugby position. “I expect a better season from Newcastle Falcons this year compared to last,” says Thorne. However, he remains confident in Bristol’s ability, especially following preseason victories against Connacht and Dragons. “I think Bristol win the game but by less than 7 points against a revitalised Newcastle.”
Bath Rugby vs Northampton Saints
Sam Jess’s Prediction (Bath Rugby Reporter):
Bath are on a mission to put things right after their narrow loss to Northampton in last season’s final. “Having lost the final to Northampton, Bath will be determined to write a few wrongs,” explains Sam Jess. He acknowledges Bath’s preseason struggles but believes a packed Recreation Ground crowd could push them to victory. “With a Friday night crowd behind them and a chance to gain revenge from June, they will edge it in an opening night classic.”
James Logan’s Prediction (Northampton Saints Reporter):
Logan sees a close contest ahead but believes Saints will have the upper hand. “A repeat of the final at HQ back in June,” he points out, noting that while Bath will be eager for revenge, “I can imagine it being a close one with the hosts wanting to get one over the champions.” His final prediction: “I’m going for a 28-24 Saints win.”