Harlequins vs Bristol Predictions: Joué at The Stoop

Harlequins host Bristol on Saturday afternoon (15:05) and with a glimmer of playoff hope, both sides should throw the kitchen sink at each other on the final day.

As always, we've asked our Rugby expert Alex Cox to give us his Harlequins vs Bristol Predictions.

On the final day of the Premiership season almost here, there is plenty of jeopardy in play. Only Northampton and Saracens are confirmed for the playoffs, leaving five teams jostling for the final two playoff spots remaining, in the hope of keeping their Title aspirations alive. Harlequins and Bristol are both included in the rat-race for the playoffs but after both sides lost last week, they’ve each lost the ability to control their own destiny.

Both sides need a win (ideally with a bonus point) and have to hope a number of results elsewhere go in their favour. What’s crucial is that is that it’s unlikely that all the stars align for either of these sides to make it through – meaning I believe we’ll see an expansive game at The Stoop.

Harlequins will be disappointed in their second half performance last week, but can take some hope forward after they scored a final second try to pick up a bonus point – we’ll have to see how important that turns out to be. They looked a little jaded and Exeter certainly capitalized, but considering the European adventure Quins have been on, it’s somewhat understandable.

Being back at The Stoop on the final day though, with the home crowd clinging on to a bit of hope, I think we’ll see Quins play with some extra impetus to see out the season in style.

Bristol have been on a superb run but ran into a Saracens side that meant business last weekend. Bristol were not able to find the gaps that were previously opening, or get the speed of ball that they’d had over the last few months. However, Harlequins don’t have the same defensive ability as their London rivals, and I believe Bristol will see plenty of opportunities as a result. This one could well go into the 70’s…

Harlequins vs Bristol Match Odds

*you can find all the latest betting markets for the match using the link above

Team News 

Harlequins

Quins make 4 changes to the starting side that lost to Exeter last week. Marler picked up an injury so Baxter steps up to start this week, alongside the usuals of Walker and Collier – the latter will be playing his final game after signing for Castres next season. Herbst and Lewies are retained in the second-row and the back-row trio will be Cunningham-South, Evans and Dombrandt.

Porter will be on the bench this week with Care reinstated to a starting berth, with Smith at fly-half as usual. Esterhuizen was absent in the trip to Devon last week but he’s fit enough to start this week, and Northmore shifts back to his preferred position at 13. Murley is another with an injury so Beard comes in this week, with Lynagh and Green as his partners in the back-three.

Bristol

Pat Lam has made 3 changes to his starting team. Genge and Sinckler are retained as the props but Thacker has impressed off the bench recently and forces his way into the starting Hooker spot this week. Dun and Batley partner in the second-row once again, whilst the loose forwards will be Luatua, Harding and Bradbury. Keep an eye out for the Argentinian Grondona off the bench who will make his debut.

Randall retains the 9 shirt, but there is a change at fly-half as MacGinty is injured, meaning Sheedy gets his first start since December. Williams and Janse van Rensburg continue in the midfield, with Ibitoye and Heward out in the wide channels and Malins  at full-back. Lam also has plenty of firepower on the bench in the form of Vakatawa and Naulago.

Over 57.5 points @ 5/6

71 or More points @ 13/5

Since the Six Nations, Harlequins eight matches have provided an average of 70 points per game, demonstrating just how open their games have been. With some big names like Collier and Esterhuizen in their farewell games, I can see Harlequins turning up their level of joué a few extra notches. Bristol are also no stranger to a high scoring affair, with their matches averaging 61 points in their last six Premiership rounds. I would be surprised if both sides don’t score 30 points each in this game.

Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights