Club-by-club guide: Harlequins
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Director of Rugby: Dean Richards
Captain: Will Skinner
IN Nick Evans (Auckland Blues), Epi Taione (Sharks), Neil McMillan (Ulster), Gonzalo Tiesi (London Irish)
OUT Adrian Jarvis (Bristol), Paul Volley (London Scottish), Hal Luscombe (Worcester)
First five games
Sep 6 Saracens (A)
Sep 13 Bristol (H)
Sep 20 Gloucester (A)
Sep 27 London Irish (H)
Oct 02 Worcester (A)
Lessons from last season
The multicoloured men would have sailed into the top four last season had it not been for a mid-campaign slump that saw them win only once in 13 games (in all competitions) between November and January. They recovered sufficiently to play some exciting rugby and give themselves a chance on the final day of the regular season but were pipped at the post by Leicester in the dying minutes. Dean Richards will be looking for more consistency from his youthful side, and should have a steady hand on the tiller in the shape of new flyhalf, All Black Nick Evans.
Weaknesses
When they’re good, they’re very, very good, when they’re bad.... And as last season’s winter wobble proves, their pack can prove lightweight when the pitches get heavy. Another Heineken Cup adventure could also take its toll on their strengthh in depth.
Strengths
Quins’ all-action back rowers Chris Robshaw, Will Skinner and Tom Guest could form a unit to be reckoned with this season, and cause Nick Easter to collect a few splinters in his backside. Out wide they boast pace to burn in Ugo Monye and David Strettle (right), while few centres outmuscle a midfield of Jordan Turner- Hall and De Wet Barry.
Player to watch
Nick Evans is the second high profile All Black to occupy the No.10 jersey at the Stoop, and Dean Richards will be hoping that his application and impact on the side are a marked step up from Andrew Mehrtens. The former Auckland Blue was No.2 to Dan Carter in the pecking order in New Zealand, which is a bit like being second best golfer in the world to Tiger Woods - you might be second best, but you’re light years behind the top dog. But Evans has the game management and nose for space that should sharpen up a youthful back-line’s killer instinct.
Did you know?
The Stoop, Harlequins’ home ground, is named after Adrian Dura Stoop, who played 182 times for Quins between 1901 and 1939 and won 15 England caps.
Prediction
With others improving around them, a tougher season awaits.
7th
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments