England number eight Alex Dombrandt captains Harlequins this weekend as the South West London club kick-off the opening round of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership away to Newcastle Falcons.
Supporters not travelling to this away fixture can view the game live on PRTV.
Dombrandt, recently returned from a knee injury, fills in as skipper for injured Club Captain Stephan Lewies this week as Quins travel to Kingston Park this Saturday – live on PRTV, 15:00 kick-off.
Dombrandt is joined by fellow England international Joe Marler, with the British and Irish Lions prop earning a first start of the year, having made an impact from the bench in last Friday’s pre-season friendly against Leinster. Marler is joined by Springbok Wilco Louw at tighthead prop, with hooker George Head completing the front row.
Summer signing Irne Herbst will earn his first official Harlequins appearance at Kingston Park this Saturday, starting in a competitive match for Quins alongside new locking partner and recent Academy graduate George Hammond in the second row.
Jack Kenningham and Tom Lawday pack down on the flank either side of Dombrandt, while a halfback partnership of Lewis Gjaltema and Italian international Tommy Allan will look to direct Quins for the day at nine and ten.
The midfield sees Lennox Anyanwu and Luke Northmore continue the partnership they have established during pre-season fixtures against London Scottish and Leinster, while there are no changes to a back three of Cadan Murley, Nick David and Tyrone Green that faced Leinster last Friday night.
Commenting, Head Coach Tabai Matson said: “It’s great to be back in a Premiership game week. We’ve had two strong pre-season fixtures, but there’s a different energy around the camp this week.
“We know from our first game against Newcastle last season that they are a tough, determined team and you have to be on the ball against them. They’ll have a bit of a different energy and a new direction with a new man in charge. It’s the first game of the season we’ll play in anger. It’s so important we are focused and clear on getting our lines right to start the season off well.”
Harlequins Starting XV
Joe Marler
George Head
Wilco Louw
George Hammond
Irne Herbst
Jack Kenningham
Tom Lawday
Alex Dombrandt – Captain
Lewis Gjaltema
Tommy Allan
Cadan Murley
Lennox Anyanwu
Luke Northmore
Nick David
Tyrone Green
Impact Players
16. Jack Walker
17. Simon Kerrod
18. Will Collier
19. Dino Lamb
20. Will Evans
21. Jack Stafford
22. Will Edwards
23. Joe Marchant
Images & Content – Quins Rugby
