Harlequins Head Coach Amy Turner has made three changes to her side to face Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, as two of English rugby’s most historic clubs face each other for the first time in the Women’s game.
One change to the front-row sees Silvia Turani return to the Starting XV at prop alongside the powerful duo of Connie Powell and Bryony Cleall. Fresh from a huge performance in her first start in the Quarters at Big Game 15, Danelle Lochner retains her spot in the second-row alongside Kaitlan Leaney.
Sarah Bonar and Abbie Fleming are named as flankers, whilst Shaunagh Brown is at number eight following a standout performance against Gloucester-Hartpury last weekend.
In the backs, Lucy Packer makes her first start of the season following an injury she sustained whilst on England duty over the summer. Packer is joined by her half-back partner Emily Scott, who is named as vice-captain.
Freya Aucken is named on the wing in the only other change to the Starting XV, as she lines up alongside Beth Wilcock and England’s Ellie Kildunne in the back three.
Harlequins Head Coach Amy Turner said: “We were really pleased with the fight shown last week, particularly with how we responded in the second half. We saw glimpses of what this team can do but we know there’s a lot more left in us and we’re building well towards that complete performance.
“Welford Road is a ground steeped in history and Leicester are a hugely proud club, we know they’re going to be fired up so we need to be ready to meet them head on and impose our game on them early.”
Harlequins Starting XV
1. Silvia Turani
2. Connie Powell
3. Bryony Cleall
4. Danelle Lochner
5. Kaitlan Leaney
6. Sarah Bonar
7. Abbie Fleming
8. Shaunagh Brown
9. Lucy Packer
10. Emily Scott
11. Beth Wilcock
12. Rachael Burford ©
13. Lagi Tuima
14. Freya Aucken
15. Ellie Kildunne
Impact Players
16. Carys Phillips
17. Hannah Sims
18. Babalwa Latsha
19. Ciara Cooney
20. Aseza Hele
21. Flo Robinson
22. Ella Cromack
23. Izzy Mayhew
