A repeat of the 2018, 2019 and 2021 Premier 15s finals, this London derby is one of the most hotly anticipated games of the Allianz Premier 15s season, as fourth place Harlequins travel to third place Saracens in their second meeting of the season. Last time out, Harlequins edged a 19-10 win at The Stoop and will be hoping for a similar result away from home.
Harlequins’ front row remains unchanged from the side that claimed victory over Loughborough Lightning two weeks ago; Hannah Sims and Chloe Edwards line up as props and co-captain Amy Cokayne starts at hooker.
Scotland’s Sarah Bonar and Red Rose Rosie Galligan partner up in an all-international second row, who will look to impose their physical dominance on Saracens’ set piece. In the back row, Emily Robinson shifts to number 8 and Katy Mew remains at blindside flanker. Wallaroo Emily Chancellor comes into the Starting XV, completing a dynamic back row for Quins.
In the backs, England International Lucy Packer returns to the starting line-up at scrum half alongside Australian fly half Bella McKenzie, whose first try for Harlequins, a 50 metre run in against Saracens in December, set the tone for her first season in the Allianz Premier 15s.
Beth Blacklock returns at inside centre, partnering Lagi Tuima who has started all of Harlequins’ ten games so far this season in the centres. Abby Dow starts on the left wing following an explosive attacking performance in round ten against Loughborough, and Freya Aucken comes into the side on the right wing. Co-captain Emily Scott moves to fullback for the first time since Quins travelled to Exeter Chiefs in round five of the Allianz Premier 15s Season.
Amy Turner said “it’s going to be a hard hitting, physical encounter. We’ve got to play smart and be ready for that physical battle. We have to look after the ball; if we give possession away too early or our discipline isn’t where it needs to be, we’re giving them easy ins so we’re facing on that massively this week.
Commenting on the excitement of the London derby, Turner said “The passion of the fanbase from both clubs, Saracens have a very strong fanbase, as do we and they take it very seriously. A London derby, whatever you look at in terms of football or rugby, is a massive thing. It’s just good for the fans to get to grips with a big old fixture that’s going to have lots of physicality, lots of ambition and hopefully lots of skill”.
Watch Saracens vs Harlequins live tomorrow from 13:45 on BBC Sport, BBC iPlayer or at Premier15s.com.
Harlequins Starting XV
1. Hannah Sims
2. Amy Cokayne (cc)
3. Chloe Edwards
4. Rosie Galligan
5. Sarah Bonar
6. Katy Mew
7. Emily Chancellor
8. Emily Robinson
9. Lucy Packer
10. Bella McKenzie
11. Abby Dow
12. Beth Blacklock
13. Lagi Tuima
14. Freya Aucken
15. Emily Scott (cc)
Impact Players
16. Rosie Dobson
17. Sheree Cooper
18. Hannah Duffy
19. Kaitlan Leaney
20. Lauren Brooks
21. Emma Swords
22. Ellie Green
23. Ella Amory
With thanks to Harlequins
