Nick Evans kicks off to get the game underway here in The Stoop. Overcast but no rain in London, overall good conditions for a good game of rugby.
Harlequins have the best tackle success rate of 91% in the Aviva Premiership so far this season. Missing less than 10 tackles a game. Sale Sharks will have to work hard to try and break down this Harlequins defence.
Harlequins have been forced to make changes to the side that lost to Clermont last weekend because some players have been kept back Stuart Lancaster for the Autumn Internationals. Mike Brown, Chris Robshaw and Joe Marler have all been retain for international duty. Tom Williams movs to full back with Ugo Monye starting on the wing with Sam Smith on the other, Karl Dickson starts at 9 with Danny Care on the bench. Mark Lambert and Dave Ward make their first starts of the season, joining Will Collier in the front row. Sale Sharks have made five changes to the side that beat Worcester earlier this month. Jonny Leota moves from 12 to 13 as Sammy Tuitupou starts at inside centre. Andrei Ostrikov replaces Michael Paterson in the second row while Henry Thomas is at tighthead prop in place of Vadim Cobilas.
Good afternoon and welcome to Ultimate Rugby's coverage of this Aviva Premiership fixture at The Stoop between Harlequins and Sale Sharks. Harlequins have lost their last three matches in all competitions and are struggling to find consistent form. Sale Sharks have started very well to the season with only two defeats in the league and they find themselves at the top of their pool in the Amlin Challenge Cup after wins over Biarritz and Worcester. Harlequins need this win to get their season back on track and Sale will want to keep up their winning streak, we are hoping for a great game in good conditions in London.