HARLEQUINS ANNOUNCE SQUAD TO PLAY WASPS (A)
17TH MAY 2019 (12:00)
SEMI KUNATANI GETS HIS FIRST START IN THE GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP AS QUINS HEAD TO THE RICOH ARENA TO PLAY WASPS IN THE FINAL REGULAR SEASON ROUND OF THE COMPETITION ON SATURDAY (KICK-OFF: 16:00)
Olympic gold medalist Kunatani, who signed for Harlequins over the summer from Top 14 giants Toulouse, starts at blindside Flanker rotating with adidas Player's Player of the Season Alex Dombrandt. Co-Captain Chris Robshaw and Jack Clifford complete the back row triumvirate in a match that could secure Quins a semi-final berth.
Two other changes in the starting team are Rob Buchanan at hooker and Ross Chisholm who returns to the team line-up in place of Charlie Walker on the right Wing.
Among the Game Changers, the team are proud that Harlequins Academy graduate and second row George Merrick is set to make his 100th appearance for the Club.
Harlequins Head of Rugby Paul Gustard said: “Our victory against Tigers means we still have a fantastic opportunity to compete for the top four this weekend and we are relishing the chance to play our best game of the season against a strong, determined Wasps team. This weekend is about the result, and we need to be at our absolute best.
“I am delighted that Semi will make his first Premiership start. He has given us a lot of impact as a Game Changer in recent weeks and is showing the kind of match-breaking ability that enticed me to sign him in the summer. He takes his place in the team in place of one of our standout players this season in Alex whom we are expecting a big contribution from in the game in a similar vein to Semi
"We have to go there with a sole focus on our performance and being at our best. Wasps are a fantastic team and I have a lot of admiration for Dai, his coaching team and players. I know they will be fired up and will welcome us with passion and physicality in their final game of the season. We are in a good place physically, mentally and emotionally and we look forward to the contest.
“We hope our outstanding passionate supporters will make the journey with us and inspire the boys with their constant singing and support. I cant wait.”
Harlequins squad to face Wasps in Round 22 of the Gallagher Premiership (Saturday 18th May, Ricoh Arena, kick-off: 16:00)
15 Mike Brown (321)
14 Ross Chisholm (102)
13 Joe Marchant (79)
12 Ben Tapuai (21)
11 Gabriel Ibitoye (18)
10 Marcus Smith (58)
9 Danny Care (261)
1 Joe Marler (192)
2 Rob Buchanan (122)
3 Kyle Sinckler (138)
4 Matt Symons (25)
5 James Horwill (Co Captain, 67)
6 Semi Kunatani (11)
7 Chris Robshaw (Co Captain, 274)
8 Jack Clifford (97)
Game Changers
16 Elia Elia (34)
17 Lewis Boyce (36)
18 Will Collier (151)
19 George Merrick (99)
20 Alex Dombrandt (23)
21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (4)
22 James Lang (47)
23 Alofa Alofa (71)
Not considered for selection
Front Row
Mark Lambert
Josh McNulty
Second Row
Ben Glynn
Dino Lamb
Back Row
James Chisholm
Half Backs
Dave Lewis
Charlie Mulchrone
Calum Waters
Centres
Henry Cheeseman
Paul Lasike
Francis Saili
Wingers
Nathan Earle
Aaron Morris
Cadan Murley