Internationals return for Saracens showdown

Harlequins’ Men’s coaching team have named their matchday squad to travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face Saracens in Round 21 of the Gallagher Premiership, a side bolstered by the return of five internationals.

In the forwards, Jack Walker returns from England duty to complete an international front row alongside Joe Marler and Wilco Louw. Alex Dombrandt also comes back into the side at eight having featured heavily in England’s Six Nations campaign.

Two changes come in the backline as Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant return to Quins colours. Smith slots back into his familiar position at ten, with Marchant on the wing.

Quins opt for a 5-3 split across the Impact Players, with Tommy Allan also returning to the 23 from international duty with Italy.

Previewing the fixture, Harlequins Head Coach Tabai Matson said “For us, this performance is critical, we have to bring our best game and sustain that for a long period.

“Having our lads back from English duty bolsters the morale of our changing room and allows us to play at a higher level, and that’s the same for everyone across the league, particularly with Saracens.

“It’s the rivalries in sport that take teams to other levels. We’re both London clubs, we play contrasting styles and there’s obviously players competing for international positions, but it all just adds to the Showdown.”

Harlequins Starting XV

1. Joe Marler (262)

2. Jack Walker (40)

3. Wilco Louw (63)

4. Irne Herbst (19)

5. Stephan Lewies (58) - Captain

6. Jack Kenningham (37)

7. James Chisholm (130)

8. Alex Dombrandt (109)

9. Danny Care (354) 

10. Marcus Smith (135)

11. Cadan Murley (95)

12. Andre Esterhuizen (65)

13. Luke Northmore (55)

14. Joe Marchant (148)

15. Nick David (28)

Impact Players

16. Sam Riley (25)

17. Fin Baxter (21)

18. Will Collier (216)

19. Dino Lamb (78)

20. Will Evans (59)

21. Scott Steele (30)

22. Tommy Allan (29)

23. Oscar Beard (25)