Preview: Harlequins vs Montpellier
- 2397
Preview: Harlequins vs Montpellier
Harlequins vs Montpellier (20:00) BT & Sky Sports
In the first European final of the weekend, Harlequins take on Montpellier in Lyon for the Challenge Cup trophy.
These sides have already met twice in this years competition, with Quins comprehensively running out 41-18 winners in Round 1 but Montpellier returned the favour with a 42-9 victory in the Altrad Stadium.
In what is set to be an emotional night for Quins, Conor O'Shea will aim to sign off from his reign with Quins with some silverware.
Quins make 8 changes to the lineup from the side that lost 62-24 last time out to the Chiefs.
The front 5 is completely switched, with Joe Marler, Joe Gray, Adam Jones, James Horwill and Sam Twomey all starting. Luke Wallace comes into the back row while in the backs Tim Viseer and George Lowe have been passed fit to return.
Montpellier lost their 8 game win streak last week with defeat to La Rochelle but remain in the Top 2 in France.
With a large South African presence in the squad it will be interesting to see the physical battle with Quins and if Du Plessis and co. will use it to their advantage.
Prediction: Montpellier by 5. Montpellier look a side on the up and Quins recent form hasn't been the greatest. Will also be tough conditions for the Quins squad so we edge this one to the French side.
