Quins team to face Bath named

Alongside the rest of the Premiership, Harlequins is dedicating this weekend's action to Restart, raising vital awareness and funds to support players facing the unthinkable.

Continuity is king in selection this week for the men in the Famous Quarters, with just one change to the starting XV that claimed a gritty victory over Gloucester last Friday. Oscar Beard steps into the thirteen jersey to start his first Premiership game in the midfield, lining up alongside Bok Andre Esterhuizen.

England centre Joe Marchant is rested this weekend, while fellow midfielder Luke Northmore is ruled out due to a wrist injury sustained during his appearance from the bench against Gloucester last time out.

Marcus Smith also misses out on selection this week following his involvement in England’s Autumn Nations Series campaign, observing the mandatory stand down period for England players. Smith also awaits news on the extent of a lower limb injury he sustained whilst on Test duty following scans earlier this week.

Previewing tomorrow’s clash in the West Country, Lineout and Defence coach Jerry Flannery said: “We were pleased with how the boys dug in against Gloucester last week. They showed resilience against a good Gloucester team that are hard to beat.

“The league table is beginning to settle now and we’ve managed to place ourselves in a reasonable position so far. But, Bath are a very good team and are cracking on well this season.

Anyone can beat anyone on their day in the league. It’s hard to say many teams have cemented their position so we have to be on it every week; although we did give ourselves some breathing room last week.

“With new coaches and some changes in their playing roster, it will take time for Bath to fully find their feet, but they are certainly improved this season. I’ve watched a good few of their games so far this year and you can see their identity is starting to come through a little bit.

They’ve got a strong maul and put a lot of time into their set-piece. They’ve got a big pack and some key momentum-giving players in the backline as well.”

Harlequins Starting XV

1. Joe Marler

2. Jack Walker

3. Wilco Louw

4. Dino Lamb

5. Irne Herbst

6. Jack Kenningham

7. Will Evans

8. Alex Dombrandt – Captain

9. Danny Care

10. Tommy Allan

11. Josh Bassett

12. Andre Esterhuizen

13. Oscar Beard

14. Cadan Murley

15. Nick David

Impact Players

16. George Head

17. Fin Baxter

18. Simon Kerrod

19. George Hammond

20. Archie White

21. Lewis Gjaltema

22. Will Edwards

23. Lennox Anyanwu