Newcastle Falcons – Harlequins
Competition: Aviva Premiership Rugby
Date: 04 December 2016
Kick-off: 16:00 CET
Quins have made a bit of a name for themselves as giant killers this season, but they will need to be a little more consistent when it come to facing teams below them as Falcons could leap ahead of them on the log should they fall here.
The Quins managed firstly to break a long standing record of the Saracens, putting them to the sword and forcing their first and only loss of the season, then they did it to Bath, a team also fighting it out for the title. However, Harlequins are mid table at the moment with 21 points, putting them in sixth. Harlequins are coming off a good win, the one-pointer against Bath at the stoop, so they will be feeling confident, however, they will have to wait another week before they can welcome their England stars back, which will slow them down a bit.
The Falcons are in ninth spot, but they have only won one less game than their rivals for this weekend, indicating what a tough season it has been for the the teams in the middle of the log. A win for the Falcons would actually put them above Harlequins, so there is plenty on the line. Falcon are also coming off a win, and a win away from home against a traditionally strong team in Northampton. They will feel they have every chance of getting one over the Quins, and it will be a win that means so much for them in terms of log points.
Newcastle Falcons – Harlequins: Head-to-Head Stats
Historically, this game has been relatively close between Quins and Falcons, there have been three draws in 34 games which shows the competition. However, in total Quins do hold the advantage as they have 19 wins compared to the Falcons’12.
Newcastle Falcons – Harlequins: Prediction
Quins are just a better team, and they should be better than where they are placed at the moment. However, there are a few factors that are not in their favour – like their missing England stars and the fact that it is an away game. Falcons have been average in their season, nothing spectacular and probably playing just within themselves. It really is the Quins’ game to lose, which they well could.
Newcastle Falcons – Harlequins: Tips
Harlequins’ flyhalf Tim Swiel has been a star performer of late, and he is an attacking threat as well as an excellent kicker. Expect the young South African to score the most points in the game.
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