Matson makes four changes to Quins for Sale clash

Harlequins’ coaching group has named the matchday squad to host Sale Sharks in Round 15 of the Gallagher Premiership this Sunday – 15:00 kick-off live on BT Sport 1.

There are four changes to the starting line-up that fell to defeat against Northampton Saints on New Year’s Day. A physical South African duo of Wilco Louw and Irne Herbst step into starting XV to bring extra weight to the tight five. Another change to the forwards sees Luke Wallace earn a start at openside flanker, with Tom Lawday taking up a role amongst the Impact Players in the 20 jersey.

The final change sees scrum-half Danny Care return to the starting line-up to partner Tommy Allan.

Harlequins will look to claim home and away victories against Sale for the first time in a season since the 2013/14 campaign.

Lineout and Defence Coach Jerry Flannery said: “We’ve taken a close look at the game footage and had some important and uncomfortable conversations following the Saints defeat. After a result like that one, it’s key that you can come together and have those tough conversations to set yourselves right for the next challenge; and Sale Sharks are a real physical challenge for any team.

“Any of our games against Sale over the last few years have always been very dense, physical games, so we’ve got to get that bit right. You can have all the plans in the world but if you’re not physical then you’re not going to be able to do what you need to get the win against a team like this.

“This will be a very different challenge to the Saints game and it’s a contest we’re looking forward to.”

Harlequins Starting XV 1. Fin Baxter 2. Jack Walker 3. Wilco Louw 4. George Hammond 5. Irne Herbst 6. Archie White 7. Luke Wallace 8. Alex Dombrandt – Captain 9. Danny Care 10. Tommy Allan 11. Josh Bassett 12. Andre Esterhuizen 13. Joe Marchant 14. Cadan Murley 15. Nick David

Impact Players 16. Jack Musk 17. Jordan Els 18. Simon Kerrod 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Tom Lawday 21. Lewis Gjaltema 22. Will Edwards 23. Oscar Beard