The defending champs open campaign against the brave Falcons

September 17, 2021
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Ultimate Rugby

The final match of the round will attract much attention as the defending champs, Harlequins, open their campaign against the Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Sunday afternoon.

Quins delighted fans around the rugby world in June when they saw off Exeter in a final which turned out to be a great advert for the game of rugby. Joe Marler and co. showed a level of courage and belief which enabled them to knock the Exeter Chiefs off their perch and, if replicated again this season, will render them very difficult to stop.

Newcastle took the 2020-21 competition by storm in the early stages – downing Bath, Sale and Wasps in the first three rounds. After turning many heads, the tough season eventually caught up with them as they posted a total of 8 victories by the end.

Quins were taken unawares by the Falcons the first time they met last season:

However, Stephan Lewies and his charges were ready by the time the return fixture came around, hitting the Falcons with their full force and notching up 8 tries for victory.