Leicester Tigers go to Harlequins this weekend in the club’s first Sunday fixture of the Gallagher Premiership season.
Hosts Harlequins return from a fallow week in Round 5, following their 35-29 victory over Northampton Saints last time out at the Twickenham Stoop where they have lost just once in the last eight months.
The last four fixtures between the two clubs have all been won by the home side on the day while the Tigers’ record on the road in Premiership Rugby in 2022 is won four, lost six.
In team news announced on Friday, head coach Steve Borthwick brings Chris Ashton, Tommy Reffell and Ben Youngs into the starting line-up. Cameron Henderson and Francois van Wyk added to the replacements and Anthony Watson makes his 100th Premiership appearance.
Hanro Liebenberg, named as blindside flanker after wearing No7 and No8 shirts so far this season, said: “Harlequins are a dangerous side who we know can score points from anywhere on the field. They have a quality squad who have a great understanding of one another and the way they want to play the game.
“The Stoop is a tough place to play and we’re excited for the challenge with what we know will be a big crowd and include plenty of travelling Tigers fans.”
Quins include former Tigers back-rower Will Evans while prop Joe Marler is in line for his 250th appearance for the club. Andre Esterhuizen returns at centre in his 50th game for Quins.
Fly-half Marcus Smith is yet to miss a kick at goal this season, with 11 out of 11 attempts.
Quins head oach Tabai Matson said: “Leicester are the incumbent champions, so we’re looking forward to bouncing back to The Stoop after a week without a game.
“They’ve lost two in a row and so we’re expecting a massive spring back from them this week and we have to be at our best. We’ve had a weekend off and we can’t use that as an excuse to start slow. Their game is attritional and effective. They’re in for the long haul. So we’ve got to have a good gameplan to put them under pressure.”
Tigers will be in the club’s change colours of red shirt and white shorts on Sunday.
Referee is Mr Adam Leal, in his 20th Premiership fixture in charge.
There is live coverage on BT Sport or follow the updates on Matchday Live on the Tigers website and app, with full report and reaction afterwards.
Round 6 in full:
Friday – Sale Sharks v London Irish
Saturday – Exeter Chiefs v Wasps OFF, Gloucester Rugby v Bristol Bears, Northampton Saints v Newcastle Falcons, Saracens v Bath Rugby
Sunday – Harlequins v Leicester Tigers (3.00pm)
