Team news: Harlequins squad for Sale Sharks

November 30, 2023
1537
Ultimate Rugby

Harlequins have named their squad for Friday's Gallagher Premiership fixture against Sale Sharks at a sold-out Twickenham Stoop (KO 19:45 - live on TNT Sports).

The matchday 23 has been bolstered by the return of experienced trio Joe Marler, Will Collier and Joe Launchbury, with Chandler Cunningham-South selected to make his first Premiership start in the Quarters.

The forward pack features a full front-row reshuffle with the return of Marler and Collier alongside Sam Riley at hooker. Launchbury forms a new second-row partnership with Dino Lamb, with Cunningham-South named at openside flanker, alongside Will Evans at blindside and skipper Alex Dombrandt at number eight.

In the backs, Danny Care and Marcus Smith continue at scrum-half and fly-half, with Andre Esterhuizen and Will Joseph in the midfield. Cadan Murley switches to the left wing alongside the returning Nick David on the right wing. Tyrone Green continues at fullback.

The Impact Players feature a good mix of talent and experience with Academy hooker Nathan Jibulu joining the likes of props Fin Baxter and Dillon Lewis, second-row Irne Herbst and back-row James Chisholm. Scrum-half Will Porter, fly-half Jarrod Evans and utility back Oscar Beard provide plenty of options in attack.

Director of Rugby Billy Millard commented: “We’re looking forward to the challenge on Friday. We're back at The Stoop and we want to put in a better performance against a Sale team who are currently top of the league. It will be a tough contest and we can't wait for it."

Starting XV:

1. Joe Marler (270)

2. Sam Riley (38)

3. Will Collier (227)

4. Joe Launchbury (8)

5. Dino Lamb (89)

6. Chandler Cunningham-South (4)

7. Will Evans (72)

8. Alex Dombrandt (122 - Captain)

9. Danny Care (361)

10. Marcus Smith (144)

11. Cadan Murley (102)