Harlequins 2022-23 season preview - prediction, signings, ones to watch
Harlequins and Marcus Smith will surely light up the Premiership again this term
©PA
Will Harlequins be amongst the best in the league once again or will there be a dip?
Quins have been one of the most exciting teams to watch over the past two seasons, but will they be able to keep up with the rest of the Premiership with only two senior signings?
After being crowned champions in 2020-21, they will be looking to get back to Twickenham once again this campaign after a disappointing semi-final defeat last time out.
Marcus Smith will once again be key to the London side’s fortunes this term as they try and showcase their free-flowing rugby again.
Last time out
Harlequins failed to defend their title as they fell at the semi-final stage at the hands of London rivals, Saracens.
It was always going to be a harder season last time out after their championship-winning campaign and teams were perhaps more motivated against Quins as they were the side to beat.
Despite this, they still managed to finish third booking their semi-final place but Saracens ultimately had too much for the reigning champions as they lost 34-17 at the StoneX Stadium.
When it looked like they might miss out on a top four finish, Quins ended the term well with five wins from their last seven matches.
They also started 2021-22 with four victories from the opening five games which shows if they can get through the tough Christmas and January period, they will be a force to be reckoned with once again.
Incomings:
Irné Herbst (Second Row) from Benetton
Charlie Matthews (Second Row) from Kamaishi Seawaves
Outgoings:
Hugh Tizard (Second Row) to Saracens
Huw Jones (Centre) to Glasgow Warriors
Mak Wilson (Tighthead Prop) to Doncaster Knights
Christian Scotland-Williamson (Second Row) released
Matt Symons (Second Row) retired
Joe Gray (Hooker) retired
Craig Trenier (Tighthead Prop) retired
Areas of strength
Harlequins' biggest strength is the easiest to pick in the Premiership.
The 8-9-10 relationship at the Twickenham Stoop has got to be the most lethal, deadly and fluent connection about.
Danny Care, Smith and Alex Dombrandt are always on the same wavelength and have a sixth sense to know what the other is thinking. This combination and understanding has got stronger over the last few seasons and will only get better the more they play together.
These three are the main reason why Quins are always still in games because they can create something from anywhere on the pitch to get their side back into a contest. Smith has become England’s starting number 10 over the last year but domestically, he has been the main man for quite some time.
Everything comes through the 23-year-old in terms of their exciting attack but even when Smith is away with England, Quins have great back up options in Italian international Tommy Allan and Will Edwards.
They are of course a much better side with Smith in it but when he isn’t available, the drop off isn’t as noticeable since the arrival of Allan who brings his own class and vigour to the Twickenham Stoop.
It was a position that Quins needed to fine-tune for quite some time especially with Smith beginning his international career and in Allan, they have a very able replacement.
Their last clear strength is their pace and electricity out wide. Cadan Murley, Louis Lynagh, Nick David, Oscar Beard and Tyrone Green are some of the most thrilling back three options across the land. They are all also below 25-years-old which means if Quins can keep them all, they are set for the next decade in terms of quality wing wizards.
Green, Lynagh and Murley between them scored 31 tries last season showing how deadly they are. If the trio can stay fit all term, they will definitely get near those numbers once again.
Areas of weakness
One weakness in the Quins squad may be their lack of depth in the centre position. In André Esterhuizen and Joe Marchant, they have arguably the best midfield partnership in the Premiership but if one of them gets injured or has international duties, then they will be struggling.
Luke Northmore is a good option to fill in but Harlequins will be keeping everything crossed that Esterhuizen stays fit and firing. The South African is so important to the way they play due to his powerful carrying which gains important yards for their outside backs to do damage through the hands of Smith.
If Esterhuizen is absent for a period, then Quins' game plan and plays may not be as effective. He is also a demon in defence against some of the biggest inside centres the Premiership has to offer.
Elsewhere, Jack Walker has made the hooker position his own since his move from Bath last summer but the inexperience and depth in the No.2 shirt may cause concern amongst Quins fans. Jack Musk and Sam Riley are the back up hooker options but at 22 and 21-years-old respectfully, they haven’t had a vast amount of Premiership minutes.
The pair only have one Premiership start between them and a total of 31 top-flight appearances under their belt, showcasing the lack of experience behind Walker.
If Walker continues his form, an England cap might be around the corner which would mean one of Riley and Musk will be starting a lot more matches. This could spell trouble for Quins against accomplished front-rows and could disrupt their set-piece.
Opening fixtures
Round 1: Newcastle Falcons (A)
Round 2: Saracens (H)
Round 3: Exeter Chiefs (A)
Round 4: Northampton Saints (H)
Round 5: Worcester Warriors (A)
The 2022-23 season starts the same way the 2021-22 campaign began for Quins with an away match against Newcastle Falcons. After that, they will be out for revenge as they host Saracens.
The last two games of their opening five matches will be ones they will be targeting maximum points from against Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors. Quins will be quite pleased with their first month or so which should see them near the top of the table if they gain the desired results.
Predicted line-up:
1. Joe Marler
2. Jack Walker
3. Will Collier
4. Irné Herbst
5. Stephan Lewies
6. James Chisholm
7. Jack Kenningham
8. Alex Dombrandt
9. Danny Care
10. Marcus Smith
11. Cadan Murley
12. André Esterhuizen
13. Joe Marchant
14. Louis Lynagh
15. Tyrone Green
Predicted finish: 2nd
Quins will be back to their best this season with a settled squad that isn't carrying the weight of being reigning champions. The combination of Care, Smith and Dombrandt is the best in the Premiership and I believe it will fire Quins to second.
They have arguably the most exciting backline about and will be out to show the Premiership they mean business again. The experience of winning the title in 2020-21 will also help them deal with the high expectations at the capital club.
