Marcus Smith back in Quins squad for Bristol clash

Planet Rugby

Harlequins' Marcus Smith celebrates after the final whistle during the Gallagher Premiership final at Twickenham Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday June 26, 2021.

England and British and Irish Lions fly-half Marcus Smith makes a return to Harlequins’ match day 23, with the popular pivot taking up the 22 jersey as Bristol Bears travel to the Twickenham Stoop.

Ahead of a titanic clash under the Friday night lights in SW London against playoff rivals Bristol Bears, Harlequins’ coaching group have named an unchanged starting XV to the side that claimed a bonus-point win over Worcester Warriors a fortnight ago.

Fly-half Smith is the sole change to the match day 23 for the club this week, replacing Scottish international Huw Jones on the bench as Quins opt for consistency for what is set to be a thrilling encounter on Friday evening.

With new stadium entertainment technology set to make Friday nights at The Stoop more thrilling than ever before, the scene is set this week for the rematch of a dramatic semi-final last season as Harlequins completed one of the most thrilling Premiership title wins in history.

Previewing the fixture this week, senior coach Tabai Matson said: “The last two weeks have allowed us some great preparation time ahead of Friday. We’ve had two great, yet challenging, bonus-point wins to start our campaign.

“The bye-week last week probably came at a good time for us. We had a couple of games and then reset. And we’re excited to get back out there. We’ve had some great sessions this week and we’re now starting a five-game block with a great encounter with Bristol.”

Three changes for Bristol

Meanwhile, Fitz Harding is set for his first outing of the season when Bristol Bears travel to the Premiership champions on Friday.

The academy graduate is one of three changes to the side that overcame Bath last weekend.

In the backline, Niyi Adeolokun returns as the only change, while Jake Kerr comes into the front-row following his try-scoring cameo in the West Country derby.

Chris Vui switches back into the second-row with Harding lining up alongside Jake Heenan and skipper Steven Luatua in the back-row.

Harry Thacker returns to fitness to be included among the replacements for the Round Four Premiership clash.

Form: Harlequins have won their last five Premiership Rugby matches since their 12-45 reversal at Sale on June 4. The Londoners are unbeaten in their last 10 contests at the Twickenham Stoop in Premiership Rugby including a run of nine successive victories. The only previous occasion that Harlequins have won nine successive home games in the tournament was in season 2013/14. Bristol Bears’ 25-20 win over Bath last Friday ended a three-game losing run in Premiership Rugby. The Bears’ only away win in Premiership Rugby since early May was 26-23 at Leicester in Round 21 last season. The two clubs met on three occasions last season with Bristol taking both fixtures in the regular campaign but Harlequins won a thrilling semi-final at Ashton Gate 43-36 after extra time. Bristol have won on their last two visits to Twickenham Stoop beating London Irish there in October 2020 and Harlequins on Boxing Day.

The teams:

Harlequins: 15 Tyrone Green, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Tommy Allan, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt (c), 7 Jack Kenningham, 6 Tom Lawday, 5 Dino Lamb, 4 Matt Symons, 3 Simon Kerrod, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Joe Marler
Replacements: 16 Sam Riley, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Will Collier, 19 Hugh Tizard, 20 James Chisholm, 21 Scott Steele, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Luke Northmore

Bristol Bears: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Niyi Adeolokun, 13 Piers O’Conor, 12 Sam Bedlow, 11 Henry Purdy, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Harry Randall, 8 Steven Luatua (c), 7 Jake Heenan, 6 Fitz Harding, 5 Chris Vui, 4 Joe Joyce, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jake Kerr, 1 Yann Thomas
Replacements: 16 Harry Thacker, 17 Jake Woolmore, 18 Max Lahiff, 19 Ed Holmes, 20 Dan Thomas, 21 Andy Uren, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Alapati Leiua

Venue: Twickenham Stoop
Kick-off: 19:45 BST (18:45 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Assistant Referees: Hamish Smales, Simon Harding
TMO: Karl Dickson