Leeds Vs. Harlequins Rugby Match Preview

The return of Argentinean prop Juan Gomez is the only change to the Leeds side for this Friday’s clash with Harlequins at Headingley Carnegie.

Gomez has missed the last three weeks whilst away with the Argentina Jaguars side on their European tour however he replaces Peter Bucknall in the front row. On the bench, former captain Mike MacDonald is set to make his first appearance of the season.

19-year-old Joe Ford will continue to play at fly-half after making his Guinness Premiership debut last week in the defeat at Leicester with Ceiron Thomas ruled out by a sore Gluteal muscle.

Leeds are also without Hendre Fourie, who is recovering from an infection in his foot, Alfie To’oala (adductor injury), Danny Paul (shoulder) and Joe Bedford (leg). Henry Fa’afili will begin his three match ban having been sent off for Samoa against Italy last weekend whilst new signing Andy Titterrell will make his first appearance for Leeds Carnegie on Monday night at Northampton in the Guinness A League.

Meanwhile, Harlequins are slowly but surely finding form and are also coming back into full strength after a lengthy injury list and four weeks of International duty.

This week, the team will be bolstered by the return of Gonzalo Tiesi back on the bench after international duty and Nils Mordt and George Lowe’s partnership begins to blossom.

Unfortunately, Ugo Monye has fallen ill and will not be able to take part in this weekend’s game. However, Harlequins are very fortunate to have replacements in the form of Tom Williams to take his place.

Form:Leeds have slipped to three successive defeats in all competitions since their 28-17 victory over Leicester in the LV= Cup on 8 November. Leeds have not won at home in the Guinness Premiership since 21 March 2008 when Newcastle were the visitors. Harlequins ended a three game winless run at the Twickenham Stoop with their 35-29 victory over Gloucester on Saturday. It was also the first try bonus point for Quins in any competition since April. Harlequins took both encounters when the sides last met in the Guinness Premiership, in season 2007/08. Quins have won on four of their six previous visits to Headingley.

The Teams:

Leeds: 15 Leigh Hinton, 14 Richard Welding, 13 Seru Rabeni, 12 Scott Barrow, 11 Lee Blackett, 10 Joe Ford, 9 Andy Gomarsall, 8 Rhys Oakley, 7 Calum Clark, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 Marco Wentzel (C), 4 Erik Lund, 3 Juan Gomez, 2 Vili Ma’asi, 1 Gareth Hardy.
Replacements: 16 Phil Nilsen, 17 Tommy McGee, 18 Mike MacDonald, 19 Tom Denton, 20 Jon Pendlebury, 21 Scott Mathie, 22 Jason Strange, 23 Jonny Hepworth.

Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 David Strettle, 13 George Lowe, 12 Nils Mordt, 11 Tom Williams, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter (c) 7 Chris Robshaw, 6 Tom Guest, 5 George Robson, 4 James Percival, 3 John Andress, 2 Tani Fuga, 1 Ceri Jones.
Replacements: 16 Chris Brooker, 17 Aston Croall, 18 Mark Lambert, 19 Lewis Stevenson, 20 Will Skinner, 21 Karl Dickson, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Gonzalo Tiesi. (source)