Leinster vs Harlequins Prediction: Quins no match for home side’s quality

It is all about Europe these days for Leinster, and they look well set to extend their hopes of finally winning a fifth Champions Cup. Losing finalists in the last three seasons, adding Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman has added further class to an already stacked squad, and Harlequins could be in trouble when they head to Dublin in the last 16 on Saturday (15:00, Premier Sports 2).

Quins caused an upset with last season's quarter-final win in Bordeaux. However, while L'UBB are inexperienced at this level, Leinster are the real deal, and the added occasion of this game being played at Croke Park only adds to the likelihood of a big home victory. Read on for my Leinster vs Harlequins predictions, supported by the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Leinster have named a star-studded side led by Caelan Doris from number eight.

Sam Prendergast starts at fly-half and Robbie Henshaw is at inside centre as he makes his 99th appearance for the province.

Rugby Union Odds

For Harlequins, full-back Leigh Halfpenny and centre Ben Waghorn are included behind the scrum.

Alex Dombrandt returns to captain the team from number eight and Chandler Cunningham-South starts alongside Joe Launchbury in the second row.

Leinster vs Harlequins Odds

Leinster are just 1/25 to succeed on Saturday, with Harlequins 10/1, or a 9.1% chance, and the tie 25/1.

The handicap three-way is set at 21 points, with the visitors 10/11 when given a +21 start.

Leinster -23 Handicap @ 21/20

Leinster are entering a stage of their history when not winning the European Cup is becoming a curse. In fact, it is almost unnoticed that they have failed to win the URC since 2021.

One defeat in 14 in the URC has them top of the table, and their youngsters responded from losing by a point at the Bulls by winning last weekend at the Sharks.

The big boys are back for Saturday, with Doris part of an all-international pack. The forward spine of himself at the back, lock Joe McCarthy and hooker Dan Sheehan could potentially feature for the British & Irish Lions in the summer.

Harlequins ended a losing run against Saracens in their first Premiership match back after the Six Nations but they were easily dismissed in last week's 19-point defeat at Bath.

Last season's win in Bordeaux was evidence of the Twickenham club's uncanny ability to produce a massive performance when it matters, but there were flaws in L'UBB's set-up, especially up front, and Leinster's pack looks more rounded than last year.

Prendergast's fly-half duel with Marcus Smith could see one knock the other out of Lions contention, but the likelihood is that the Kildare-born playmaker will receive an armchair ride from his forwards and the platform to pull the strings at Croke Park.

Quins' defeat at Bath could be a decent indicator, and Leinster may push their advantage even further.