Harlequins
15. Mike Brown; 14. Marland Yarde, 13. Matt Hopper, 12. George Lowe, 11. Aseli Tikoirotuma; 10. Nick Evans, 9. Danny Care; 1. Joe Marler (c), 2. Dave Ward, 3. Will Collier, 4. Charlie Matthews, 5. George Robson, 6. Luke Wallace, 7. Chris Robshaw, 8. Nick Easter
16. Joe Gray, 17. Mark Lambert, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. Sam Twomey, 20. Jack Clifford, 21. Karl Dickson, 22. Tim Swiel, 23. Tom Casson
Leinster Rugby
15. Rob Kearney; 14. Darragh Fanning, 13. Gordon D'Arcy, 12. Ian Madigan, 11. Luke Fitzgerald; 10. Jimmy Gopperth, 9. Eoin Reddan; 1. Jack McGrath, 2. Sean Cronin, 3. Mike Ross, 4. Devin Toner, 5. Mike McCarthy, 6. Rhys Ruddock, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Jamie Heaslip (c)
16. Bryan Byrne, 17. Michael Bent, 18. Tadhg Furlong, 19. Kane Douglas, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Isaac Boss, 22. Noel Reid, 23. Zane Kirchner
So, the first meeting of Leinster and Harlequins since the infamous "bloodgate" match of 2009...
One of only two games this weekend in which both sides are unbeaten, the next two weekends look set to decide the outcome of pool 2 and define the season for both these teams. Neither has been setting their domestic league on fire, with Quins currently languishing in 9th position in the Premiership.
No major surprises in either selection. Matt O'Connor's hands are tied once more by injuries to key players, the casualties this week are Richardt Strauss, Dave Kearney, Dominic Ryan and Fergus McFadden, while question marks hang over Rob Kearney, Luke Fitzgerald and Kane Douglas. Don't be surprised to see a late change on Sunday.
One name that might raise eyebrows is journeyman Darragh Fanning, preferred to Springbok Zane Kirchner; in truth it's no more than Fanning's form deserves with Kirchner paying the price for some lacklustre displays in recent weeks. Fanning continues his astonishing record of playing every minute of the season so far.
Like Leinster, Quins will be hoping their returning internationals can give them a boost from last weekend; a 25-6 hosing by Bath is not ideal preparation for a European tie so they'll be looking for a big contribution from Yarde, Robshaw, Brown and Marler. Considering Brown, Marler and Robshaw started all four England tests, there may be a question mark over how much they have left in the tank for this week. Question marks exist over the form of Kiwi out-half Nick Evans, for a long time Evans has been one of the best in Europe but at 34 and with a significant injury record, the years might finally be catching up to him. As ever, they will look to Danny Care for their creative spark, Leinster fans will be hoping that his inconsistency sees him have an off day on Sunday. With Yarde, Tikoirotuma and Brown in the back three, as well as Hopper at 13, Quins have plenty of attacking threat; this may not be the best game in which to kick long repeatedly.
So, on to Leinster. We won't rehash the
results vs form argument again, but Matt O'Connor has made it very clear that the result is his highest priority this weekend. What is also clear that Leinster need to up their game from recent performances; the return of the internationals should help. In fact, the pack contains only one survivor from the Ospreys game, Jordi Murphy, and behind the pack, D'Arcy, Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney start, so it really is a completely different (and much superior) team this week. The big question is, how will that affect the game? Will Matt O'Connor give his team licence to keep the ball in hand and take more risks?
With an all-international pack, Leinster should have the edge up front; Bath had Quins in all sorts of trouble last week and while the two props from that game now drop to the bench, McGrath and Ross should have the edge, Quins will be hoping for a big game from captain Marler, perhaps better known for his work in the loose than in the scrum. Luke Wallace is a very dynamic six, Robshaw will get through a ton of work and Easter still has his moments, so the backrow will be a fascinating battle.
Neither team has the benefit of stunning domestic form or continuity of players; the last meeting between these two sides was a battle of attrition, this might well be the same. In that case, Leinster should have the experience and grunt to see it out; this is a team who haven't lost in England in six years.
Paddy Power reckon Leinster are 2-point favourites on the handicap; I think that sounds about right and they have enough to eke out a result and put a stranglehold on the pool.
Jerome Garces takes charge.
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