Harlequins make one change to the Starting XV for Newcastle

November 03, 2023
1559
Ultimate Rugby

Harlequins have named its matchday squad for Saturday's Gallagher Premiership fixture against Newcastle Falcons at The Stoop (KO 15:00 - tickets here).

The matchday 23 has been bolstered by the return of three Rugby World Cup players with England's Joe Marler and Marcus Smith named as Impact Players, alongside Welsh international and Quins debutant Dillon Lewis. There's also a return for number eight Chandler Cunningham-South who makes his Premiership debut for Quins.

The Starting XV features just one change following last Saturday's 21-23 win over Bristol Bears with Jack Kenningham replaced by Dino Lamb at blindside flanker. Elsewhere, Fin Baxter, Sam Riley and Will Collier maintain their front-row partnership, with Joe Launchbury and George Hammond at second-row. Dino Lamb combines with Will Evans at flanker, with Alex Dombrandt at number eight.

Will Porter and Jarrod Evans maintain their halves partnership, with Lennox Anyanwu and Oscar Beard at inside and outside centre. Louis Lynagh makes his 50th Harlequins appearance on the wing alongside Tyrone Green and fullback Nick David.

Amongst the Impact Players hooker Nathan Jibulu makes his fourth consecutive appearance, with James Chisholm providing plenty of back-row experience.

Director of Rugby Billy Millard commented: “Saturday will be a similar challenge to last week. The weather will play a part and we’ll need to adapt to the conditions and do the simple things well. Newcastle are a tough opponent, they’re dangerous in attack and always front up. We’ll need to be at our best to ensure another good result.”

Starting XV:

1. Fin Baxter (29)

2. Sam Riley (35)

3. Will Collier (224)

4. Joe Launchbury (5)

5. George Hammond (48)

6. Dino Lamb (85)

7. Will Evans (68)

8. Alex Dombrandt (118 - Captain)

9. Will Porter (4)

10. Jarrod Evans (3)

11. Louis Lynagh (49)