Harlequins take on Exeter Chiefs this Sunday, in what is set to be an exciting match-up in round two of the Gallagher Premiership. The Chiefs come to the Stoop hot off on an impressive 65-10 win over reigning Premiership Champions Saracens, in what stands as the record league defeat for the North London club.
Harlequins enter the match in search of their first win of the 2023/24 season, after losing by the narrowest of margins last time out against Gloucester. Quins had they had the match won, before a last-ditch effort saw Gloucester prop Jamal Ford-Robinson push over to score, and snatch a dramatic 29-28 victory at Kingsholm Stadium.
Speaking in this week’s pre-match media, Harlequins back-row Alex Dombrandt praised the emerging Quins talents, that have been making their mark during the Rugby World Cup window. The likes of Quins Fly-half Marcus Smith and Loose-head prop Joe Marler are currently in France on England duty, with Dombrandt amongst the players that narrowly missed the cut.
Dombrandt discussed two players who took their chance against Gloucester, as young prop Fin Baxter came in for Marler, and Will Edwards led the line at fly-half.
“I guess, they’re not short of, when players go to internationals, and it’s an opportunity for boys to step up, into those positions. And we know that, you know, the likes of Will (Edwards) and Fin (Baxter) have got those qualities to come in and make that seamless transition. So no, it’s no surprise that they’re doing well you know, they’ve got great qualities both for them and to see them doing well in the last weekend is really pleasing.”
Following the collapse of London Irish, Harlequins brought in three former Exiles talents that have gone from local rival to teammate for Alex Dombrandt. The trio of prop Lovejoy Chawatama, back-row Chandler-Cunningham South and centre Will Joseph all swapped Emerald Green for the famous quarters, with Dombrandt delighted with how well each of them have settled in to life at the Stoop.
“Yeah, they’re settling in really well. Three really good lads, three really good rugby players as well. So they’re adding value both on and off the pitch. So you know, we feel really lucky to have them, and I’m sure they’ll do good things for us in a Quinns shirt.”
“I think we’re really good at Quinn’s here and investing in people, and investing in relationships. First of all, the new signings that come in, we get to know them, get to know how they like to work, what makes them tick, what they don’t like, so that then, if any things were to arise or stuff, you know how best to deal with them. But I think as much as it is, it’s making sure that you keep your standards high in training, in and around the building, then it’s easy for people that are new to the environment to sort of follow on from that.”
Dombrandt was a notable name that was left out of Steve Borthwick’s 33-man England squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with Harlequins teammate Cadan Murley also missing out on the trip to France. However, Dombrandt revealed how he has been supporting his teammates from the English side of the Channel, and does not view the exclusion as any added motivation to his already driven career goals.
“Here and there, you know, wishing them good luck for their games and, you know, little bits of chat here and there. But nothing crazy, kind of just left them to enjoy that experience for themselves.”
“I don’t really see it is extra motivation, I’m motivated every year. Just because I didn’t make a squad, it doesn’t mean I’m extra motivated. I’m motivated every year to do well. I really think that we’ve got a good squad this year, but it’s down to us to put that on the pitch now, and put in good performances, and hopefully we can end the season, we can be challenging for some silverware.”
Dombrandt’s Harlequins teammate Marcus Smith has once again been in the spotlight in the England camp, however more recently it has been due to his positional shift to fullback for the Rugby World Cup. Dombrandt discussed Smith recent outing in the number 15 jersey, and how he was impressed by his teammates’ performance against the hard-hitting Fijians.
“It’s good to see him (Smith) getting the shot. I’m sure he would have enjoyed it. Different for him, but this is great experience for him to see the game from from a slightly different angle. Yeah, I think he’s been doing really well. I think all the Quins lads have been doing really well. It’s great to see them you know, enjoying it, and in the semi finals, so I’m looking forward to watching that on Saturday.”
“Yeah, he’s never one to shy away from a challenge. He’ll throw himself in head first. Yeah, he definitely had the bumps and bruises on Saturday evening, or whenever it was to show for it, so I’m sure he’s been in the ice bath.”
Joe Marchant is another one of Dombrandt’s teammates that has been impressing in France, however the versatile midfielder will actually be staying in the home of Les Bleus following the tournament. Marchant has agreed a move to join Stade Francais, with Dombrandt expecting great things from his soon to be former Quins teammate.
“He’s a player with with massive quality you know, he’s a great character off the pitch, but it’s nice to see him getting a run of games. Now playing really, really well. He’s been a great player. It’s no surprise to see him doing so well. So I’m sure he’s got a big part to play in in the upcoming matches as well.”
“I think he’s he’s proven what he can do on on that stage, and that level. I think his move to France now, is going to be a different experience for him, and one that can really propel him to new heights and new levels. No I’m really excited to see him hopefully, maybe in Champions Cup in the next year or two. You know, I’m sure he’ll he’ll smash it whatever he does.”