Quins vs London Irish - Match Preview

At the Queens place
By BrianC
September 24 2003

This weekend sees us playing our old local rivals and ex-landlords, Harlequins. Regarded by many as being an integral part of the rugby establishment Quins have struggled in recent years to be anything other than bottom of table material.

Harlequins vs London Irish

Saturday 27th September, The Stoop, K.O. 3pm

Has all this changed this season? Certainly they have had a very bright start, winning their first two games, home to Wasps then away at Rotherham, and picking up a bonus point along the way. As I write this Quins are top of the ZP.

Despite their position at the top of the table some reports from their supporters thus far show that they have not been overly impressed by their performances thus far. In particular there have been complaints about the first half against Wasps where the defence looked porous and the second half against Rotherham where ball retention appeared to be an issue. In the case of the later game it could be argued that, having already secured a bonus point by half time, they simply took their foot off the gas.

One thing that is exciting the Quins supporters is their new winger, Ugo Monye. Hailed by many of their supporters as the best signing they have made in years he has so far scored 5 tries. He certainly appears to be a handful, whoever is facing him next weekend will have their work cut out for them.

The Irish side sees Barry at number 10 in place of Tofty. Last week we saw Tofty being helped off the field early in the game having apparently been knocked out cold. Later he was reported to appear ok but he has been placed on the bench for this game. Barry, had a blinder of a game on Sunday. He appears to have regained that confidence that deserted him last year and will no doubt be pushing Tofty hard as the first choice fly half.

This will be a tight game against our old enemies. With our Glaws victory in the bank and our nerves settled I think we'll just shade it.