Saracens take on Harlequins in this years’ ‘Showdown’ match, taking place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 64,000 capacity stadium will host the London derby, which also sees the Six Nations stars return to the clubs.
Saracens currently rule the roost at the top of the Gallagher Premiership table, having lost just three matches out of 16 this season. Harlequins are disappointed to currently sit at eighth, yet are just eight points adrift of the play-offs, making this match all to play for.
The returning Six Nations players are the focal point of the match, with key battles presented in many areas of the pitch. Here are the five key battles to look out for, for Saracens vs Harlequins.
- Fly Half – Owen Farrell vs Marcus Smith
Without a doubt the most anticipated battle within the war, Owen Farrell lines up against Marcus Smith as the England rivals collide. The England number 10 jersey was in the spotlight throughout the entire 2023 Guinness Six Nations, as Head Coach Steve Borthwick entrusted both superstar halfbacks to lead the line throughout the competition.
Borthwick tried numerous combinations, opening with Smith at 10, with Farrell standing off at centre, yet defeat to Scotland saw Smith dropped to the bench. Farrell led the line as England secured wins over Italy and Wales, with Smith featuring for just 14 seconds against Warren Gatland’s side. The saga continued with Smith dropped entirely, before being re-called to start against France, after an undeniable performance for Quins against Exeter Chiefs.
The Harlequin was one of England’s best players, in the historic defeat at Twickenham, yet was an unused replacement in the finale loss to Ireland. This weekend is Marcus Smith’s opportunity to stamp his authority over Farrell, as the power struggle for the 10 jersey heats up again, ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Two players with unmistakeable styles, Smith’s fearless abandon will lead Harlequins’ exciting and open play-style. He will carry at pace to the line, before playing a teammate through, or using tricky footwork go it alone. Farrell’s proven world class prowess, will see him want to take the game from the scruff of the neck, and boss every intricate detail as the architect in the Saracens’ gameplan.