Harlequins make one change as they aim to claw back 14-point deficit in crunch Champions Cup second leg
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: Alex Dombrandt and Marcus Smith of Harlequins celebrate during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Harlequins and Saracens at on January 26, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Harlequins)
Harlequins have made one change as they look to claw back a fourteen-point deficit in the second leg of their Champions Cup last 16 tie with Montpellier.
Montpellier make 13 changes from their first leg victory. Only second-row Paul Willemse and winger Gabriel Ngandebe keep a spot in the starting XV.
The drastic nature of Montpellier’s changes suggests that the French side is focusing on winning the Top 14 instead of the Heineken Champions Cup. They currently sit top of the Top 14, five points ahead of second-placed Bordeaux.
This week, Montpellier’s former England and Bath forward Zach Mercer outlined to The Guardian that despite beating the English champions, his Montpellier side still gets doubted.
Quins’ one change to the matchday 23 as Will Evans replaces Tom Lawday in a straight swap in the number seven jersey.
After scoring his first Heineken Champions Cup try, George Hammond retains his place as blindside flanker and the tight five remains the same with Quins looking to reduce a fourteen point deficit.
Harlequins’ backline is unchanged after an impressive last 30 minutes in Montpellier which saw the side from South West London run over four tries. Similarly to the backs, Quins’ Impact Players remain untouched with all eight players retainting their places in the matchday squad from last weekend.
Scrum Coach Adam Jones said: “I think if you look back at our results over the last 18 months or so it’s clear to see that it’s never over. The first-half performance wasn’t good enough, but to be only fourteen points down overall with the score being 34 – 0 after 50 minutes is not too bad. Montpellier probably felt they needed more of a 21 point lead so I’m sure they’ll be a bit frustrated, but we know they are still going to be tough opponents back at The Stoop.
“We know we’re only at half-time in the tie due to the new format in the Last 16 stages of Europe, but it’s up to us to reduce the deficit and we can’t afford to make the mistakes that we made in the first 40 out in Montpellier last weekend.”
