Harlequins gear up to face the Falcons

Harlequins have named their matchday squad for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Newcastle Falcons at a sold-out Twickenham Stoop (KO 15:00).

The Starting XV features five changes following the defeat to Sale Sharks, with Nathan Jibulu, Joe Launchbury, Chandler Cunningham-South and Marcus Smith returning to the starting side. Academy product Cassius Cleaves earns his first Premiership start on the left wing, with Stephan Lewies captaining the squad in the absence of Alex Dombrandt.

In the forwards, props Fin Baxter and Titi Lamositele start alongside hooker Nathan Jibulu. Joe Launchbury and Stephan Lewies combine at second-row, with Jack Kenningham and Will Evans on the flanks. Chandler Cunningham-South completes the pack at number eight.

In the backs, Will Porter and Marcus Smith reignite their halves pairing, with Lennox Anyanwu and Luke Northmore at centre. Cassius Cleaves and Nick David start on the wings, with sharpshooter Leigh Halfpenny at fullback.

The Impact Players feature the traditional five-three split, with new recruit Wyn Jones named for his competitive Quins debut, joining front-row replacements Jack Walker and Simon Kerrod. Irne Herbst and Dino Lamb provide cover at lock and back-row, with Danny Care, Jarrod Evans and Oscar Beard the impact backs.

Head Coach Danny Wilson commented: “We’re excited to be back home at The Stoop. It’s a special place for our players and we love performing in front of a packed stadium. The squad have worked hard this week, they’ve driven our standards in training and we’re looking forward to the challenge that Newcastle will bring.”

Starting XV:

1. Fin Baxter (52)

2. Nathan Jibulu (14)

3. Titi Lamositele (1)

4. Joe Launchbury (21)

5. Stephan Lewies (71 – Captain)

6. Jack Kenningham (50)

7. Will Evans (91)

8. Chandler Cunningham-South (17)

9. Will Porter (23)

10. Marcus Smith (161)

11. Cassius Cleaves (8)

12. Lennox Anyanwu (23)

13. Luke Northmore (69)

14. Nick David (50)

15. Leigh Halfpenny (1)

Impact Players:

16. Jack Walker (64)

17. Wyn Jones (Debut)

18. Simon Kerrod (104)

19. Irne Herbst (48)

20. Dino Lamb (94)

21. Danny Care (377)

22. Jarrod Evans (18)

23. Oscar Beard (56)

Not available for selection (injury/international): Alex Dombrandt, Cadan Murley, Tyrone Green, Joe Marler, James Chisholm, George Head, Rodrigo Isgro