Versatile Lang proving valuable in breakthrough season

JAMES Lang aims to prove why Marcus Smith is not the only Harlequins rookie with a big future.

Smith has been the talk of the town all season, earning the affection of England boss Eddie Jones while valiantly attempting to keep Quins’ season afloat.

However, the teenage superstar has been ably backed by versatile Lang, 22, who is revelling in a breakthrough season across the back-line.

Lang, who starts at inside-centre today, told

TRP: “Smithy’s done amazingly well this season to come up from our U18s and do what he’s done. All credit to him because he’s been great, but wherever I can I’ve tried to help as well.

“Whether it’s at ten, 12 or off the bench, it’s gone really well for me and I’m loving being out with the boys. I’ve had to bide my time but I’ve finally had a good run of games and want to stay part of the squad now.”

Smith starts at No.10, Lang deputises for Jamie Roberts and Aussie Ian Prior replaces injured fullback Mike Brown (eye). Ross Chisholm replaces Charlie Walker, while Mat Luamanu starts for Renaldo Bothma (broken arm) at No.8.

Harlequins are out of quarter-final contention, but Lang sees a bigger picture with everything still to play for in the Premiership.

“We’re out of Europe but today is about going to La Rochelle and treating this game as a springboard for our league campaign,” Lang explained.

“Our main aim now is to finish in the top four and, having had a good win against Wasps last week, we want to keep that momentum going.”

La Rochelle field All Blacks trio Jason Eaton, Victor Vito and Rene Ranger in their starting XV as they seek a win to try and top the Pool.