By Behindthebench
January 7 2016

As the Saracens' juggernaut rumbles on, Harlequins' considerable improvement from the previous few seasons has gone relatively unnoticed, as they currently stand in third spot, with their weaknesses having being comprehensively addressed with some impressive recruitment. This has allowed the dangerous backline to show its potential again, with an attack which rivals Saracens in its sheer variety and clinical finishing ability.

For many, this sell-out clash perhaps a contrast in styles, multi-phased attacks from the hosts compared with the decisive first and second phase blows which Saracens have been particularly adept at this season, but this would be an over-simplification, given the adaptability both sides have shown this season. That said, it would be hard to see Quins adapting their tactics to the same extent as Wasps, and they will look to be more competitive in the forwards, as Saracens have an excellent record against the South West London side, having successfully blunted their attacking game in commanding victories at the Stoop and Wembley last season. However, this really will be Sarries' stiffest defensive test of the campaign so far, with the dual kicking threat of Care and Evans just one of many dimensions to consider alongside the incessant running threat. In particular, one of the (few) problems identified with the "wolfpack" defence is how it can be undone by a quick kick over the top, as London Irish have proved a couple of times, but few sides have executed successfully - certainly Care though, in particular, would be able to. Equally important is that Sarries continue their alertness to the counter attack, as, whilst Quins have scored some spectacular tries, there are likely to be loose balls to latch onto, particular as the visitors may not have the same superiority in forward terms as previously enjoyed given additions of the calibre of Adam Jones and James Horwill to the pack.

Close season activity brought the retirement of the long-serving Ugo Monye, as well as Tom Williams and Jordan Turner-Hall, whilst Paul Doran-Jones, George Robson and Joe Trayfoot were other notable departures. In the forwards, the signing of Australian lock Horwill from Queensland Reds had been announced at the end of 2014, whilst the arrival of Cardiff Blues tighthead Jones was announced before the end of last season, whilst Welsh under-20 Owen Evans added further depth at prop following a move from Newport Gwent Dragons, and back row/second row Mat Luamanu moved in from Benetton Treviso. In the backline, fly half Tim Swiel returned to the club permanently from Sharks after a successful loan spell last season, whilst Tim Visser moved from Pro12 side Edinburgh, where he had been the highlight of a hard-working, if functional, Gunners side. Jamie Roberts was a high-profile capture as the Welsh centre signed from Racing Metro 92, whilst Samoan Winston Stanley provided flexibility across the backline.

Nick Evans continues to be the focal point of the side, and set the tone in the opening Premiership night 26-21 home win over Wasps, scoring one try, orchestrating the other for George Lowe, and adding a trio of penalties to boot. Quins went close to repeating last season's rare win at Leicester, leading 13-12 at the break as Jack Clifford finished a lineout move, and particularly heartening for them was that they were winning scrum penalties at regular intervals, as if to highlight their improvement in this area. They claimed a point in a 22-19 loss at Welford Road. Evans was again at his influential best with a perfect ten kicks in a 38-28 success at Bath in the third Premiership game, getting their first with an instinctive finish from Danny Care and a second late on from Dave Ward. Back at home, there was a tighter game than might have been expected, as Sale Sharks were edged past 16-14, as Tim Visser's second half score proved decisive, and, as a whole, it showed Quins' ability to stay in a game in which they have been second-best forwards-wise in the first half. 

They found themselves edged out 26-25 at Exeter Chiefs, despite scoring four tries to the hosts' two, the first being a penalty try, the second a finish by Evans from a fine Care kick, the third a culmination of multiple phases capped by Charlie Walker and the fourth a deserved score for Visser after Mike Brown's kick had come back off the corner flag, but a reward perhaps for some incisive play and running in the backline. Visser, who will miss the next few games with injury, really came to life as his superb running yielded a hat trick in the London Irish match, which was won 38-7. The offloading game set up a try for Care, whilst Clifford's closing try came courtesy of a rolling maul. The annual Big Game at Twickenham served up the best ever in this series, as five tries were scored apiece in an intriguing 39-all draw with Gloucester. Off the scale in terms of entertainment value, if not for those who like defending, it showed Quins' susceptibility to the counter attack, in a match in which they enjoyed over 2/3 of both possession and territory, and Gloucester made almost three times as many tackles. The match also demonstrated their spirit, though, as they came from ten points down late on to almost snatch the win; Ross Chisholm claimed two tries, with Marland Yarde, Care and Nick Easter also on the scoresheet. In contrast, they could have let what seemed an assured victory slip away at Worcester on Sunday, as they led 24-3 through Walker's double and one from Luke Wallace,  again showing the variety in attack, one from a flowing wide move, another from a maul and a third from a kick through.

In Europe, they have absolutely dominated Pool 3 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup, which they are now favourites for, securing 20 points from 20, starting off with six tries in the 41-18 demolition of Montpellier, all the more impressive, as they were nine points down early in the match, with five of the six tries down to forward power and pressure, as Wallace, Easter, Clifford, Care and Chris Robshaw all claimed five pointers through this source, in contrast with Ollie Lindsay-Hague's finishing of a fine, flowing foray. More of the same at Cardiff, where a modified side was losing 6-3 at the interval, but incisive breaks served up four tries for Visser, Lindsay-Hague, Walker and Care, whilst eight more tries were added in the 50-10 win at Rugby Calvisano with what was now the customary mix of forward dominance and slick handling, and went one better in the return match, which finished 59-7. 

Moving to potential starting XVs, Harlequins should be as close to full strength as possible, as they look to make a statement ahead of the final push in Europe, for which they could probably afford to modify their side. That would see Mike Brown at full back, with Charlie Walker and Ross Chisholm occupying the wing berths, outside a centre partnership of Roberts and George Lowe, with Evans alongside captain Care in the half backs. Into the forwards, and Joe Marler, Dave Ward and Jones should make up the front row, with Horwill and Charlie Matthews forming the second row, and a back row of Chris Robshaw, Jack Clifford and Nick Easter. For Saracens, Alex Goode should continue at full back, with Chris Ashton on the right wing, and a revised centre partnership of Duncan Taylor and Brad Barritt, and perhaps Mike Ellery in on the left wing. Owen Farrell will probably come back in at fly half, alongside Richard Wigglesworth. Moving to the forwards, the front row could consist of Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Juan Figallo, with George Kruis continuing at lock with Maro Itoje, and a back row of Michael Rhodes, Jacques Burger and Billy Vunipola.

Harlequins vs Saracens: Good In Patches?

Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 07/01/2016 14:01

TheSaracens.com
07/01/2016 14:01

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Thanks go to Behindthebench for a very detailed Quins preview.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2016:01:14:16:41:49 by Darraghgirl.

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Quin Kong
07/01/2016 14:33

Very good write-up. Thank you.

QUIN KONG

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HonkyTonk
07/01/2016 18:26

Yep, cheers mate. Heres to a good game. Hopefully the right Quins turn up and we make a game of it, if we don't I fear the worst. We seem like we might have a few injuries at prop, potentially Lambert, Evans, Collier, Sinckler, Shields all out which leaves us with 2 academy props for the bench, Seb OA and M Wikey. All will be revealed tomorrow I guess (fingers crossed a couple pull through).

Enjoy the Stoop if you are coming along, just not too much though eh



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:01:07:18:27:08 by HonkyTonk.

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derbyshire fan
07/01/2016 18:46

Thanks

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