It’s a reunion with Herron as Quins opt to rest stars
THERE’LL be no Iain Henderson in London tomorrow night for Ulster but he’ll be far from the only absent star after Harlequins opted to make 14 changes to their side for the Challenge Cup last16 clash.
Other than Henderson, and the already confirmed absences of Springbok Marcell Coetzee and Wallaby Sam Carter, the northern province will head to The Stoop at something approaching full-strength; a stark contrast to their hosts.
The PRO14 may already be wrapped up but there are still seven rounds of Premiership action remaining with Harlequins currently occupying the fourth and final play-off spot.
As such, their focus remains firmly on domestic matters and their coaching by committee system have opted for heavy rotation.
Like Ulster, their own skipper Stephan Lewies is unavailable thanks to injury but the absence of the likes of Danny Care, Marcus Smith, Mike Brown, Joe Marler, Wilco Louw, Scott Baldwin, Andre Esterhuizen, Will Evans and Joe Marchant are for rest rather than rehabilitation purposes.
There will be one familiar face in the Harlequins line-up though with Smith replaced at fly-half by former Ulster player Brett Herron.
His opposite number will be Billy Burns after the former Gloucester man overcame the knock that kept him from taking his place on Ireland’s bench against England two weeks ago.
His return means a switch to full-back for Mike Lowry where he joins wingers Jacob Stockdale and Robert Baloucoune.
Stuart Mccloskey is back in his familiar No.12 jersey too having been rested against Zebre last time out, joining James Hume in the midfield.
John Cooney will again be at scrum-half against the side he so tormented last season and it’s as expected up front too.
With Rob Herring back, he slots in between Eric O’sullivan and Marty Moore with Alan O’connor and Kieran Treadwell in the engine room.
Jordi Murphy captains the side in a back-row containing Nick Timoney and Sean Reidy.