Chris Robshaw leads Quins in his final game at the Stoop

September 27, 2020
4098
Ultimate Rugby

Harlequins Captain Chris Robshaw will play his final game at The Twickenham Stoop as he leads the 23-man squad for Round 21 of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season.

The former England skipper plays his 299th game for the Club who hosts Wasps on Monday (September 28, 19:45 kick-off).

Leading the side for the final time on home ground, Robshaw is named in a side with five changes to the team that played in the Premiership Cup final earlier this week.

Springbok pairing Andre Esterhuizen and Wilco Louw will make their first starts in Harlequins colours, having featured from the bench since arriving at the Club in recent months.

Last weekend’s vice-captain Stephan Lewies misses out on selection after sustaining a concussion against Sale in the Premiership Cup final, replaced in the second row by Glen Young. Scrum-half Scott Steele and wing Chris Ashton also return to the starting XV in place of Danny Care and Nathan Earle respectively.

Summer signing Jordan Els will look to make his Harlequins debut from the bench, with the South African-born loosehead prop overcoming a hamstring injury that delayed his first match in the famous Quarters.

Commenting ahead of the fixture live on BT Sport 1 HD, Head of Rugby Paul Gustard said: “Monday presents one final home game for the Club this season and we’re determined to deliver and progress our game as we look to finish the season strongly.

“While the loss against Sale was a disappointment, this is a developing team with a lot of young English players and days like those will mould this team’s future. We can take heart and confidence with the grit and effort and learn from the mistakes that prevented us lifting silverware for the first time in 7 years.

“Of course, this is a final home game for one of the greatest Harlequins in Chris Robshaw. There are few greater in this Club’s famous history than Robbo.

“First and foremost, he is a tremendous human being whose qualities in life outweigh those on the field with his strengths and character far reaching and influencing outside the game. Without doubt he will be remembered as a true giant in the game of rugby and we are all determined to ensure his final game at The Stoop is a positive memory and befitting our love and respect for him.”

Harlequins starting XV:
1. Santiago Garcia Botta (22)
2. Scott Baldwin (18)
3. Wilco Louw (2)
4. Dino Lamb (32)
5. Glen Young (18)
6. Chris Robshaw (298) – Captain
7. Will Evans (19)
8. James Chisholm (96)
9. Scott Steele (6)
10. Marcus Smith (85)
11. Aaron Morris (51)
12. Andre Esterhuizen (4)
13. Joe Marchant (91)
14. Chris Ashton (5)
15. Mike Brown (333)

Game Changers:
16. Elia Elia (53)
17. Jordan Els (0)
18 .Simon Kerrod (26)
19. Tevita Cavubati (19)
20. Alex Dombrandt (50)
21. Danny Care (281)
22. Brett Herron (14)
23. James Lang (66)

Unavailable for selection:
Tyrone Green

Unavailable due to injury:
Stephan Lewies, Craig Trenier, Joe Marler, Joe Gray, Michele Campagnaro, Cadan Murley, Paul Lasike, Matt Symons, Will Collier

Meanwhile, Lee Blackett has named his side for Wasps’ Gallagher Premiership Round 21 match with Harlequins.

There is one change to the starting line-up that beat Bristol Bears last time out. Joe Launchbury is out with a calf injury and is replaced by James Gaskell.

Wasps (First-team appearances)

15 Matteo Minozzi (15)

14 Zach Kibirige (22)

13 Malakai Fekitoa (20)

12 Jimmy Gopperth (102)

11 Josh Bassett (123)

10 Jacob Umaga (27)

9 Dan Robson (c) (120)

1 Ben Harris (63)

2 Tom Cruse (82)

3 Kieran Brookes (38)

4 Will Rowlands (90)