Match Preview | Harlequins [A]

• 3 Apr 2024

KNOCK-OUT RUGBY IS BACK! WE TRAVEL SOUTH TO THE TWICKENHAM STOOP TO FACE ENGLISH SIDE HARLEQUINS IN THE INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP.

Glasgow Warriors face Harlequins to battle it out for a place in the European quarter final. This is the first time either side will face one another in a competitive game.

Both sides are in the top four of their equivalent domestic leagues after both teams took high-scoring wins last weekend. The contest is one of two non-replayed games in the competition. It will certainly be a fascinating and closely contested match.

The Warriors and Quins have similar playing styles: blending fast-paced backs that like to throw the ball about with strong forward packs and reliable set-pieces. This game is the one to watch this weekend.

After a strong performance against Welsh side Scarlets last week, the Warriors will be looking for another high-scoring game to see them through to the next round of the Investec Champions Cup. The 45-3 win for Glasgow against Scarlets demonstrated the side’s consistent defence and willingness to create opportunities to score ties.

In the 2023/24 European season, Glasgow currently holds the highest tackle success rate at 91%. Furthermore, strength in the set piece is reflected in the Warriors’ 96% scrum success rate.

opposition lowdown

Harlequins currently sit fourth in the tightly contested English Gallagher Premiership. A home win against Bath last week secured their top four place. Despite Bath coming back from a 30-point deficit, Quins managed to hold onto the win.

The English side’s run into the knock-out stages of the Investec Champions Cup was dominated by wins. Apart from a significant defeat to French side Toulouse at the Stoop in mid-December 2023, wins against Racing 92, Cardiff, and Ulster gives them the home advantage for the round of 16 in Europe.

An offensive style of play shown by Quins in both European and domestic fixtures reflect their high-scoring games in both competitions. Furthermore, they have the second-highest number of turnovers in Europe this year with 41 in total.

Harlequins—much like the Warriors—play with a mixture of flare, strength, and pace. The kick and chase from English international Marcus Smith certainly elevates Quins’ style. Strength in the forward pack from experienced scrummagers Joe Marler and Alex Dombrandt also pose a threat to any side that faces them.

Another recent English international to watch out for is Chandler Cunningham-South. The number 8 made his international debut for Steve Borthwick’s side in the recent Men’s Six Nations. His strength of carrying and tackle success will be one for the Warriors to keep any eye on.

Despite Quins having notable English international stars in their side, the Warriors also have their fair share of Scottish internationals. A battle between teams from the two nations, Glasgow will be hoping to recreate the most recent Calcutta Cup result: a Scottish win over the English.