Here we go...

Harlequins squad for final pre-season fixture with Ealing Trailfinders

Thursday, 23rd August 2018 @ 16:45



Harlequins has named a strong starting XV and group of game changers for tomorrow evening’s final pre-season fixture at the Twickenham Stoop, kick-off 19:00.
Chris Robshaw captains the team which will see home debuts for Nick Auterac, Nathan Earle, Paul Lasike, Matt Symons and Ben Tapuai.

“We have selected a much changed team for tomorrow evening’s match,” said Paul Gustard, the Club’s Head of Rugby.

“It is our final pre-season fixture and the first chance for our supporters to see the players in action at The Stoop.  For those players that haven’t had an opportunity to do so to date, this will be their chance to impress and make a case for selection for our Gallagher Premiership home match with Sale on 1st September.

“We have been really pleased with the players’ commitment in training this week and are looking forward to a consistent and energetic performance in front of our supporters.” 

Harlequins squad to play Ealing Trailfinders at The Stoop (kick-off: 19:00)

15. Mike Brown
14. Charlie Walker
13. Joe Marchant
12. James Lang
11. Nathan Earle
10. Marcus Smith
9. Danny Care

1. Joe Marler
2. Elia Elia
3. Will Collier
4. Stan South
5. Matt Symons
6. Chris Robshaw (c)
7. Luke Wallace
8. Dino Lamb

Game Changers

Nick Auterac
Mark Lambert
Max Crumpton
Dave Ward
Phil Swainston
Ben Glynn
Archie White
Renaldo Bothma
Charlie Mulchrone
Dave Lewis
Tim Swiel
Tim Visser
Henry Cheeseman
Paul Lasike
Ben Tapuai
Gabriel Ibitoye
Aaron Morris
Ross Chisholm

No Sinck, No Saili or Clifford, assuming injured
Very strong side

No Catrakilis, is he injured?

Watch out for Ealing Left Wing James Cordy-Redden - played with him at uni - strong,quick winger excellent under high ball - would love to see him in a quin shirt to sure up the outside/scramble defense!

Feels slightly lightweight in the backline and in the back 5 of the pack. Will be interesting to see if South and Dino-Lamb can step up. Exciting backline if it clicks, but i would have my worries defensively if thats what we start with going into the sale game..

Lock worries me

Horwill and Symons - Great but how much will they actually play

Merrick - Not really kicked on for me, thought he had lots of potential but too inconsistent for me

Glynn - Decent squad back up but not sure if he is up to it should he be needed for an extended time

Dombrandt - Big ask coming from uni to be expected to tear it up in the Prem

South - Still not totally convinced, still young so time to kick on.

Lamb - Not seen to much so cant comment really, has looked ok when I have seen him.  Like South im not sure if he is a lock or back row.

Good side....but are we potentially saying that James Chisholm, Clifford, Saili, Sinckler, Catrakilis and Horwill are all injured before the season starts!?    That's a worry.

We are so short at hooker it's beyond unfunny. Not sure where this idea that Elia is going to be 'the one'. Sounds like the same story as Bothma/Mikalcius to me. Frustrating that we have to put our hope in players with little track record in key positions.