The Rugby Paper

Top two meet in potential league decider

- ■ By CHARLES JONES

A TITLE decider would not be over-stating the importance of the game between Harlequins and Saracens this afternoon even if Christmas is still a few weeks away.

The two teams have been on another level to the rest of the league so far in this campaign, both with a perfect eight wins from the opening eight rounds.

Harlequins are a single bonus point ahead with today’s match potentiall­y making a huge difference as they won’t meet again until the final game of the season.

All six of their England internatio­nals start for Harlequins after returning from their 3-0 whitewash over Canada with Rachael Burford captaining the side.

Saracens’ head coach Rob Cain welcomes Italian internatio­nal Valeria Fedrighi and Sonia Green into the second row with the Cleall sisters, Poppy and Bryony, and Marlie Packer in the back row.

“Quins have shown during the first round of the competitio­n how dangerous their passing game is and how much speed they generate when they have time and space,” said Cain.

“They have a lot of experience and I am excited for our playing group to continue to grow and enjoy the type of challenges that games like this present.

“This week been about refreshing our key principles and aims after the internatio­nal break with the aim of picking up where we left off.

“At the end of the day, one of the team’s undefeated streaks will come to an end so for the neutral it promises to be an exciting, fast paced affair.”

 ??  ?? Captain: Rachael Burford
Captain: Rachael Burford

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