Harlequins Coach Adam Jones Previews West London Derby against London Irish

The West London derby between Harlequins and London Irish, is one of the most exciting fixtures of the Premiership calendar. This Sunday’s local clash is lining up to be another display of pace, agility and pride. At just seven miles apart, London Irish and Harlequins are geographically the closest rivals in the Gallagher Premiership, and Harlequins Coach Adam Jones believes that they are certainly one of the fiercest.

Speaking about the expected reaction Quins will recieve in Brentford, Jones said;

“I’d imagine it would be pretty hostile. You know when we’ve played them their quite niggly. You know, well I wouldn’t say it’s their big one, but you would tell it’s the local derby for them. You know, it’s very similar to when we (Ospreys) played the Scarlets but it’s back in Wales, you know, and it was quite niggly.”

“The intimidation factor probably comes from being physical in the carry or tackle and, you know, I don’t see where a niggle gets you really, but there we are.”

Quins come into the derby with their tails up, having qualified for the Round of 16 in the Champions Cup. A stunning 39-29 victory over the Cell C Sharks demonstrated their variety and intensity in attack, yet also presented some weaknesses in their Harlequins’ defensive focus.

Lukanyo Am scored within the first minute at The Stoop, catching the home side off-guard with an early intense start. Eben Etzebeth’s astute knowledge of the breakdown exposed Joe Marler’s partial bind, and the South African was unnapposed in his charge to the line. The ever-impressive Will Evans will want to state his claim for an England call-up against Irish, after the flanker’s five turnovers and hard-hitting defence earned him a star man performance against the South Africans.

Harlequins coach Adam Jones has certainly been impressed with Evans, and likened him to one of his own countrymen.

“Yeah, look, I think a lot of people will kind of sleep on Will because he’s not like one of the Rockstar sort of players around the league, but he’s brilliant. He’s, fantastic. He’s a fantastic player. I know he’s got a Welsh surname but he’s got no Welsh (in him), but he’s almost like a Welsh seven. I can’t pay more of a compliment than that, because, we’re pretty blessed in that area, and have been for years.”

“But he’s a great player. He’s been brilliant for us and you know, he’s come back from his injury incredibly well. And yeah, he’s going to be key for us going forward and regardless who’s on our team, you know, whether English boys are back he’s always a massive player for us. And for someone who’s not a big man, he’s does incredible things on a pitch.”

With the 2023 Six Nations creeping ever closer, there will be increased contention for spaces at Harlequins, with the departure of their international stars. Jones discussed the forwards who he would like to see step up in the quarters, when the opportunity calls.

“We’ve got a few hookers now Jack Walker’s away, so we need to see. We’ve got three boys in George Head, Jack Musk and Sam Riley, who you know, will need to push themselves, to push for a position there now. So it’s a good battle there. I think obviously Alex (Dombrandt) is away so you got (James) Chisholm, Tommy Lawday, there’s a lot of them. We need boys to step up to the plate and so certainly around those those in the forwards.”

London Irish secured a 21-21 draw against Montpellier, to wrap up an underwhelming performance in the Champions Cup. Finishing 11th in Group B, the Exiles have failed to scrape through in a Challenge Cup spot. They now turn all of their attention to the Premiership, and without too many international departures, will be prepared to bring the fight to Quins on Sunday. Irish currently sit at ninth in the table, with Harlequins amongst the play off contenders in third. The hosts enter the contest as the underdogs, but could certainly produce an upset on their day.

Ollie Hassell-Collins has been called up into Steve Borthwick’s England squad, with the winger unexpected to feature against Quins. Flying fullback Henry Arundell is looking to end his injury absence with a potential comeback against Harlequins. The 20-year-old has been side-lined with a foot injury since October, and is in the plans to re-gain his fitness against Harlequins, for a last minute push for Six Nations selection.