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Wembley Calling


By Quins4life
April 12 2016

Last weekend Harlequins once again put us through all possible emotions on a tense night at the Stoop. Many thought, as did I, we would win at a canter and comprehensively against a London Irish side that had more important priorities. However, after initially looking well in control after early tries from Wallace and Care, we found ourselves starring down the barrel, with our season threatening to being finished after Maitland raced away to score to put Irish 30-18 ahead. Strangely, I still always felt we’d go on and win the game, but this was another concerning sign of our side being unable to hold on to a winning position and, most worryingly, unable to defend. But we managed to go on and win the game. Its knockout rugby and we are through to a semi-final at home against Grenoble in nine days, job done. 

However, before we can think about that match we have the small matter of a London Derby against Saracens at Wembley, where we have a chance to keep our extremely slim chance of top 4 alive. For me, these matches against Saracens are the ones I look for when the fixtures are released because Sarries are the standard bearers of the Premiership, but also it is the only real true derby left now. Sarries recent from has been more patchy compared to the start of the season but have started looking back to their best and in their last Premiership game they beat Exeter comprehensively at home. Last weekend they had their own European quarter-final to play, albeit in the elite Champions Cup competition. However they made hard work of it, struggling for 60 minutes or so against a Northampton side, which was missing a lot of key players. Sarries were expect to win comfortable but it was tighter than expect so they had to show their big game experience in the end and grid out a victory, which in the end earned them a tie against Wasps in the semis. 

As we all know Saracens have quality in abundance in their squad with a number of fantastic players in each position, which makes it hard to pick standouts. However, you cannot look past their incredibly strong English spine in the 1st XV now, with a number of them being heavily involved in the Grand Slam side. Obviously in the pack Itoje, Kruis and Vunipola brothers are huge to Saracens with their physicality and work rate. I am a huge fan of Itoje and fully expect him to continue his development and become one of the best players in the world. Then in the backs, I think they have the inform fly half in Europe right now in the form of Farrell who can no longer just be considered an aggressive, goal kicking fly half as he has added a good attacking edge to his game. Ashton has returned from his suspension and has continued to score tries and he loves one against us at Wembley so we’ll need to watch him very carefully. Then Goode at fullback is in fantastic form and will be keen to perform well against his competitor for the England 15 shirt, Brown. So the interesting subplot to this game is that Quins and Sarries provided the most players to the England team, and I am guessing the performance of these international stars will go a long way to decide the winners of this match. 

Sarries team last weekend; Goode; Ashton, D. Taylor, Barritt, Wyles; Farrell, Wigglesworth; M. Vunipola, Brits, du Plessis; Itoje, Kruis; Wray, Fraser, B. Vunipola 

This team was picked for Sarries clash last weekend in their Champions Cup quarter-final and it was full strength barring injuries. Now it will be interesting to see what side they send out. They are not as cemented to the top as before with Wasps only 5 points behind them in 3rd position, but with two winnable fixtures against Worcester and Newcastle they may be tempted to rotate their side slightly with their sights on their European semi-finals, a competition they are desperate to win (probably more than the Premiership). 

Team Selection 

Well we too have a European semi-final and we will also have one eye on it, so I guess there will be a temptation by us to rotate the side with our top 4 chance hanging by a thread. But I would be incredibly disappointed if we did rotate. The only way I see us improving is by these guys getting more and more game together out on the paddock. So once again I expect the strongest side possible to be played on Saturday. With no Marler again, cheers World Rugby, Lambert will continue, alongside Buchanan (I hope he is fit for his physicality) and Jones due to them both playing well in the reverse fixture earlier this season. This means leaving out Sinckler who is in fine form, but I’d use him as a strong impact players with 30 to go. In the second row, I hope Horwill is fit to return after his niggle, but his partner is a tricky decision. Twomey is yet to find his form from before his injury, whilst Merrick is still a penalty magnet and actually I thought Matthews made a great impact from the bench against Irish. I would though stick with Twomey but have Matthews on the bench. In the back row we have another tough selection dilemma to deal with if Easter is fit enough to start. I would go with the combination of Robshaw, Clifford and Easter purely because they worked well in the January fixture against Saracens. This is incredibly harsh on Wallace who has been probably our player of the season but I guess its horse for courses situation and he will be back in for the semi-final. 

The backs needs no discussion, same again as last weekend, despite a small temptation to bring Marchant back in for Lowe, but Lowe was good again last week so should stay in and build his partnership with Roberts again. I have heard some rumours of Evans nearing fitness and could return to the bench this weekend but I have no idea how reliable my source was but fingers crossed he’ll be back as soon as possible. (Click here - exciting little clip of Evans running again). 

My team to play Sarries; Lambert, Buchanan (if unfit, Ward), Jones, Horwill, Twomey, Robshaw, Clifford, Easter; Care (c), Botica, Visser, Roberts, Lowe, Yarde, Brown. 


Well there is one thing for certain, play like we did against Irish last weekend and we will be in for yet another Wembley stuffing. Once again I find myself saying that our defence has to improve because conceding 25-30 points each week makes it obviously so much harder to win games, even though our attack has been steadily improving in recent weeks. We do have, however a huge point of reference of how to play and that is our very own win against Saracens back on that cold, wet day in January. We are still the only team to have beaten Saracens during the “normal” season, with both teams at full-strength which should give us confidence that we can go there and repeat the trick. We have shown every team how to beat Sarries. That day we matched them for intensity and we ferocious in attack and defence. Our attack did not let their coveted defence settle, shown best by that fantastically worked Clifford try. We were brilliant that day and Sarries were well beaten so we should rightly take confidence from that game. 

This is obviously a must-win game for any hopes of top 4 and with Saints and Leicester playing against each this weekend, we can make up ground on one of them. Northampton win, coupled with a win ourselves, it could potentially leave all teams on 55 points (even if that means a bonus points win for us) meaning we would be fight back in it. Okay maybe I am getting a touch carried away, but why not. Whilst there is hope, we have a chance and I am going hang on to it. Sarries showed they aren’t playing as well as they have been at some stage of the season so we have a chance, even if we are going to have to play a lot better than we have done in recent weeks. So I am going to go for a hard fought, unexpected win for the Quins against our London rivals. We are a fantastic side on our day, and it is about time we showed it again. This is probably a decision based on what my heart is saying rather than my head, but what the heck, what is wrong with that once in a while. 

My prediction; Saracens 26 Quins 30 

Match Officials for Saracens v Harlequins 
Referee: Greg Garner 
Asst Referees: Andrew Jackson & Andy Watson. 
TMO: Geoff Warren. 

LIVE ON BT SPORT. Saturday 16th April

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Wembley Calling
Discussion started by ComeAllWithin.co.uk , 12/04/2016 23:28
ComeAllWithin.co.uk
12/04/2016 23:28
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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InsertQuinsPunHere
13/04/2016 11:47
Thanks Q4L - you've been pretty accurate this season, so hopefully your talents haven't left you just yet :-)

talkshowhost86
13/04/2016 13:05
If Sarries go full strength I don't see much in it for us.

If they rest a few with European rugby in mind then we'll obviously have more of a chance.

Of course if we play like we did against London Irish then it probably doesn't matter which Sarries team turn up.

Let's just hope we can summon up some of the spirit of that win at the Stoop (which seems ages ago now!)

Dave L
13/04/2016 14:20
We'll need everything to go right to have a sniff IMO. Anything like the poor defence of recent weeks and we'll be in trouble. Then again I've seen us play some superb stuff as well this season so there's a tiny bit of hope there.

On a side note. Why do we have to play them at Wembley every year? Why can't some other teams share the 'joy' like we do with the Big Game?

Banstead Quin
13/04/2016 14:51
Well if Sarries do win the Champions Cup they should get the Saints No.9 to present it as he gave them everything else all day. He was like a slower Ben Youngs at the breakdown!

Back to this Saturday and I too feel optimistic of an upset as Visser likes these big games and our pack will relish the challenge.

Should be a cracker!

Samquin
13/04/2016 15:00
Quote:
Dave L
We'll need everything to go right to have a sniff IMO. Anything like the poor defence of recent weeks and we'll be in trouble. Then again I've seen us play some superb stuff as well this season so there's a tiny bit of hope there.
On a side note. Why do we have to play them at Wembley every year? Why can't some other teams share the 'joy' like we do with the Big Game?

Sarries have signed Quins for the next couple of years. There must be a realisation that Quins will help to sell the fixture. Personally I am not a fan after attending the first 2 Wembley games.

rdc
13/04/2016 15:10
Great write up and I agree with your analysis. I think Farrell is really developing into a fine player. We will need to dial up focus, work rate and intensity to have a chance. If we do, it should be a cracker.

RodneyRegis
13/04/2016 15:28
Farrell looks good because you're so used to seeing him look dreadful. He's really still no better than passable. Rarely makes any ground, can only pass one way, still petulant. He's been taught to run first or second phase training drills quite effectively, even including the odd inside pass, ball out the back or plodding through a massive gap in the defence. If anyone else did this stuff it would barely be worthy of note, especially given the armchair ride he enjoys.

Dave L
13/04/2016 16:11
Quote:
Samquin
Quote:
Dave L
We'll need everything to go right to have a sniff IMO. Anything like the poor defence of recent weeks and we'll be in trouble. Then again I've seen us play some superb stuff as well this season so there's a tiny bit of hope there.
On a side note. Why do we have to play them at Wembley every year? Why can't some other teams share the 'joy' like we do with the Big Game?

Sarries have signed Quins for the next couple of years. There must be a realisation that Quins will help to sell the fixture. Personally I am not a fan after attending the first 2 Wembley games.

No doubt we do. I'd just like to know what benefit we get out of it if any!

#wolfpack
13/04/2016 16:59
Quote:
RodneyRegis
Farrell looks good because you're so used to seeing him look dreadful. He's really still no better than passable. Rarely makes any ground, can only pass one way, still petulant. He's been taught to run first or second phase training drills quite effectively, even including the odd inside pass, ball out the back or plodding through a massive gap in the defence. If anyone else did this stuff it would barely be worthy of note, especially given the armchair ride he enjoys.

Rodders that's a good one - you really are a hoot.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:04:13:17:00:14 by #wolfpack.

The Bard
13/04/2016 18:08
Excellent preview, you really ought to fancy your chances against us Saturday. Even with the best will in the world one eye will be on next week.

David@Sarries
13/04/2016 18:25
Quote:
RodneyRegis
Farrell looks good because you're so used to seeing him look dreadful. He's really still no better than passable. Rarely makes any ground, can only pass one way, still petulant. He's been taught to run first or second phase training drills quite effectively, even including the odd inside pass, ball out the back or plodding through a massive gap in the defence. If anyone else did this stuff it would barely be worthy of note, especially given the armchair ride he enjoys.

Rodney have you actually watched Farrell at all in the last couple of games? If you have, and on the premise that you are not simply an opinionated and biased fool, I don't see what the justification is for your tirade. Watch the Exeter or Bath game highlights and see if they change your view.

rdc
13/04/2016 18:45
Quote:
RodneyRegis
Farrell looks good because you're so used to seeing him look dreadful. He's really still no better than passable. Rarely makes any ground, can only pass one way, still petulant. He's been taught to run first or second phase training drills quite effectively, even including the odd inside pass, ball out the back or plodding through a massive gap in the defence. If anyone else did this stuff it would barely be worthy of note, especially given the armchair ride he enjoys.

I have to say, that's not how I see it....

Farmfez
13/04/2016 19:33
Great write up, thanks Q4L.

As for Rodney... There has to be a standout eejit on every board. Well done for fulfilling the role with alacrity.

Jammy Git
13/04/2016 19:33
Farrell's been excellent since the 6N.

O Fortuna, velut luna statu variabilis,
semper crescis aut decrescis

Stooperman
13/04/2016 19:55
Quote:
Farmfez
Great write up, thanks Q4L.
As for Rodney... There has to be a standout eejit on every board. Well done for fulfilling the role with alacrity.


Rodney is perfectly entitled to express his opinion. What really sticks in the craw is stupid little prats from the cheaters club coming on here and thinking they can abuse the residents without any sanction. I guess you'll just go crying to your lawyers like the rest of your scummy club. Kindly do one pal.

RodneyRegis
13/04/2016 21:12
Quote:
David@Sarries
Quote:
RodneyRegis
Farrell looks good because you're so used to seeing him look dreadful. He's really still no better than passable. Rarely makes any ground, can only pass one way, still petulant. He's been taught to run first or second phase training drills quite effectively, even including the odd inside pass, ball out the back or plodding through a massive gap in the defence. If anyone else did this stuff it would barely be worthy of note, especially given the armchair ride he enjoys.

Rodney have you actually watched Farrell at all in the last couple of games? If you have, and on the premise that you are not simply an opinionated and biased fool, I don't see what the justification is for your tirade. Watch the Exeter or Bath game highlights and see if they change your view.
Tirade? Hardly. Good to know my comments put the Sarries board on high alert though.

I've watched all of both games. He's playing much better than he used to, I'll give him that. He's now doing part of his job, on occasion. I just can't get that excited about a fly half being put through a gap as wide as the pacific, or converting a 5-on-1.

raedarius
13/04/2016 22:26
Quote:
Stooperman
Quote:
Farmfez
Great write up, thanks Q4L.
As for Rodney... There has to be a standout eejit on every board. Well done for fulfilling the role with alacrity.


Rodney is perfectly entitled to express his opinion. What really sticks in the craw is stupid little prats from the cheaters club coming on here and thinking they can abuse the residents without any sanction. I guess you'll just go crying to your lawyers like the rest of your scummy club. Kindly do one pal.

To be fair, they were directed here by one of our trolls over on their board (I've lost track of whether it's NickSB or The Very Patient Observer etc) and, with the exception of The Bard, fell right into his trap by coming over here with the express intention of being outraged.

Some of us probably do the same each and every time someone is dismissive of Brown on their board.

Farmfez
14/04/2016 10:22
Well this has been most instructive, now i know who the eejit is and who the overly aggressive touchy one is.

dancing quin
14/04/2016 11:32
Quote:
Farmfez
Well this has been most instructive, now i know who the eejit is and who the overly aggressive touchy one is.

The former must be the plum on the $arrie$ forum who started a thread about Rodney for having the temerity to express a view that said something negative about $arrie$ (boo-hoo). The latter must be #wolfpack bearing in mind he/she told a Barf fan to 'p*ss off' a few weeks ago (ironically on a thread about Barf fans behaving like football fans). Rodney's not the only person on this forum, or indeed other rugby forums, who thinks Farrell is a petulant plodder.

sodslaw
15/04/2016 16:24
Quote:
raedarius
Quote:
Stooperman
Quote:
Farmfez
Great write up, thanks Q4L.
As for Rodney... There has to be a standout eejit on every board. Well done for fulfilling the role with alacrity.


Rodney is perfectly entitled to express his opinion. What really sticks in the craw is stupid little prats from the cheaters club coming on here and thinking they can abuse the residents without any sanction. I guess you'll just go crying to your lawyers like the rest of your scummy club. Kindly do one pal.

To be fair, they were directed here by one of our trolls over on their board (I've lost track of whether it's NickSB or The Very Patient Observer etc) and, with the exception of The Bard, fell right into his trap by coming over here with the express intention of being outraged.

Some of us probably do the same each and every time someone is dismissive of Brown on their board.

Brown .......who?????

Quin Kong
15/04/2016 17:21
It's Goode that Brown is better. Now where is that smiley emoticon when I need it!

QUIN KONG

SiBolton
16/04/2016 08:56
Good preview thanks
I actually think we have a chance today, mind you if we play like the last couple of games it may well be painful to watch.
Re Farrell I was never a big fan and was baffled by his constant selection in the past, mind you now I think he is an excellent player, and I'm relieved he's not stating today

dancing quin
16/04/2016 09:26
I don't get this Farrell love-in, he was average during the 6 nations re his kicking stats, tackling and distribution, and gave away several needless penalties that could've cost England the slam. He may be in a good vein of form in the short time since then but he hasn't been consistently good enough to warrant the praise put on him. I'm more worried about Charlie Hodgson playing as he's a better player.

Almost quin
16/04/2016 19:44
Wow only just read this where did you get that prediction from

Quins4life
16/04/2016 20:09
Out of hope and blind faith.

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