Harlequins Name Big Game 15 Squad
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Harlequins have named their Big Game 15 squad for Saturday's Gallagher Premiership match against Gloucester Rugby at Twickenham Stadium
More than 75,000 supporters are expected to flock to Twickenham for the 15th edition of Big Game, as Quins look to bounce back from last week's 25-17 defeat to Bath Rugby and finish 2023 inside the Premiership's top four.
The front-five remains unchanged with Joe Marler and Will Collier packing down alongside Jack Walker in the front-row. Joe Launchbury and Stephan Lewies continue in the second-row, with Dino Lamb returning from injury at blindside flanker and Will Evans named in the number seven shirt. Alex Dombrandt skippers the squad from number eight.
In the backs, Danny Care and Marcus Smith continue at scrum-half and fly-half. Andre Esterhuizen forms a new centre partnership with Oscar Beard who replaces the injured Will Joseph. Cameron Anderson earns his Premiership debut for Quins on the left wing, with Nick David resuming on the right wing and Tyrone Green at fullback.
Five forwards and three backs feature amongst the Impact Players. Sam Riley, Fin Baxter and Dillon Lewis provide front-row back-up, alongside second-row Irne Herbst and back-row James Chisholm. Will Porter covers scrum-half, with fly-half Will Edwards and centre Lennox Anyanwu making their return to the Quins 23.
Director of Rugby Billy Millard commented: "We're excited for Big Game. It's a special occasion and an important match for our season. The boys have driven the energy this week and we're looking forward to the challenge against Gloucester and the opportunity to play in front of a massive crowd."
Harlequins Starting XV: 1. Joe Marler 2. Jack Walker 3. Will Collier 4. Joe Launchbury 5. Stephan Lewies 6. Dino Lamb 7. Will Evans 8. Alex Dombrandt (Captain) 9. Danny Care 10. Marcus Smith 11. Cameron Anderson 12. Andre Esterhuizen 13. Oscar Beard 14. Nick David 15. Tyrone Green
Impact Players: 16. Sam Riley 17. Fin Baxter 18. Dillon Lewis 19. Irne Herbst 20. James Chisholm 21. Will Porter 22. Will Edwards 23. Lennox Anyanwu
Not available for selection (injury): Luke Northmore, Jack Kenningham, Cadan Murley, Jarrod Evans, Will Joseph, Tom Lawday