Salary cap fallout pours more fuel on feisty rivalry

By NEALE HARVEY

Loyal: Will Collier

Eager: Richard Barrington

HARLEQUINS prop Will Collier insists his side need no extra motivation as a fierce local rivalry looks set to explode against the backdrop of Saracens’ salary cap indiscretions.

With Quins revealed as one of the main agitators behind the investigation into their opponents’ affairs, the heat of an already combustible occasion could rise a few notches.

However, Collier told The Rugby Paper: “It’s massive anyway and what’s happening with them doesn’t really affect us. It’s the big London derby, there’s bitter rivalry anyway and clearly our fans are desperate for us to win to get back into the top-four fight.

“I don’t think you could add any more, it’s already going to be tasty. It’s a game you always look out for at the start of the season and one you always target.

We’re desperate for the win, desperate for the points and despite our injuries, we have a good squad.” With 17 players injured, including five centres, and Joe Marler and Kyle Sinckler on England duty, Quins boss Paul Gustard names a new midfield partnership in Paul Lasike and Cadan Murley, while Chris Robshaw, Matt Symons and Elia Elia are recalled.

Collier added: “It’s been really tough and we’ve had a few positions hammered by injury. But while it’s really sad to see people on the sidelines, it gives opportunities to younger lads and it’s been brilliant to see someone like Jack Musk coming through.

“At 19, to be our starting hooker and playing so well against Clermont last week was fantastic. I love seeing things like that and it’s brilliant for us in future.” Now in his eleventh season at the club, Collier has just signed a new contract.

He said: “I’m 28 now and think there’s still room for a bit of loyalty in the game. You do consider options but I’m Quins through and through and Gussy’s helped to develop my game.

“I supported Quins as a kid and always will, so it’s pretty special to be able to keep playing here and I’d like to stay at the Stoop for a few years to come yet.” Saracens, meanwhile, make multiple changes, the most intriguing of which sees academy lock Callum Hunter-Hill paired with Joel Kpoku in the engine room.

Tyro No.10 Manu Vunipola links with Richard Wigglesworth at half-back and Alex Lozowski returns at outsidecentre, while Nick Isiekwe returns to the back row alongside Calum Clark and Jackson Wray.

Jack Singleton is the hooker and Richard Barrington takes Mako Vunipola’s place in the front row.

Barrington said: “It’s a local derby – North London versus South London – so you don’t need anything else to get ready for this game. It’s always been a feisty occasion.”