European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 2: Castres Olympique v Harlequins preview
Last Updated: 24/01/15 7:27pm
Nick Evans will make his first start since December 7 as Harlequins chase a bonus-point victory over Castres in Saturday’s European Rugby Champions Cup meeting at the Stade Pierre Antoine.
The New Zealander, who suffered a groin problem during the victory over Leinster in round three, came off the bench in last weekend’s disappointing loss to Wasps.
That defeat leaves Quins needing maximum points from their trip to France, and Conor O’Shea has made two changes to his backline. Evans makes a welcome return at fly-half, while wing Charlie Walker will make his first European start of the season.
The pack is unchanged with hooker Joe Gray set to make his 100th appearance for the club, while the in-form Nick Easter, who received an England call-up earlier this week, is named at No 8.
Castres, who have lost all five pool fixtures, make six changes to the side that shipped 50 points against Leinster last weekend.
France international Remi Tales partners Antoine Dupont in a new half-back pairing, while Piula Faasalele and captain Yannick Caballero come into the back row.
Romain Martial, who scored Castres’ only try in Dublin, is replaced on the wing by Remy Grosso.
Castres: 15 Julien Dumora, 14 Remy Grosso, 13 Thomas Combezou, 12 Romain Cabannes, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 Remi Tales, 9 Antione Dupont; 1 Yannick Forestier, 2 Marc-Antione Rallier, 3 Romiro Herrera, 4 Richie Gray, 5 Christophe Samson, 6 Piula Faasalele, 7 Yannick Caballero (c), 8 Johnnie Beattie.
Replacements: 16 Brice Mach, 17 Paea Faanunu, 18 Mihaita Lazar, 19 Rodrigo Capo Ortega, 20 Jannie Bornman, 21 Remi Lamerat, 22 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 23 Cedric Garcia.
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Marland Yarde, 13 Matt Hopper, 12 George Lowe, 11 Charlie Walker, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Care; 1 Joe Marler (c), 2 Joe Gray, 3 Will Collier, 4 Charlie Matthews, 5 George Robson, 6 Jack Clifford, 7 Chris Robshaw, 8 Nick Easter.
Replacements: 16 Rob Buchanan, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 Darryl Marfo, 19 Sam Twomey, 20 Joe Trayfoot, 21 Karl Dickson, 22 Ben Botica, 23 Ollie Lindsay-Hague.
