Smith set for 200th Quins appearance and Baxter returns

Marcus Smith is set to become the second-youngest Harlequins player to reach 200 appearances when he runs out at The Stoop against Saracens.

Smith, 27, has been named at fly-half for Sunday’s game.

Fin Baxter is welcomed back to the starting XV too after a 10-month spell on the sidelines. The returning England international will start the London derby at loosehead, alongside Sam Riley at hooker and Ollie Streeter on the tighthead side.

James Dun and Kieran Treadwell continue their partnership in the second row, while Jack Kenningham starts on the blindside and Seb Driscoll is named on the openside.

In the absence of Chandler Cunningham-South (ankle), Lucas Schmid continues at number eight after strong back-to-back performances against Sale Sharks and RC Vannes.

Will Porter has enjoyed an impressive start to the season too and returns to the starting line-up to partner Smith in the halfbacks.

Bryn Bradley and Luke Northmore continue their centre combination, while a threatening backfield of skipper Cadan Murley, Rodrigo Isgró and George Furbank are named in the side.

Head coach Jason Gilmore has opted for a six-two split of impact players. Hooker Jimmy Staples continues in the matchday squad after his impactful second-half display against RC Vannes. Will Hobson and Pedro Delgado are selected as replacement props.

Elliot Williams, Harry Browne and Will Evans provide cover across the back-five of the pack, with Lucas Friday and Nick David completing the matchday 23

STARTING XV:

15. George Furbank (3)

14. Rodrigo Isgró (28)

13. Luke Northmore (102)

12. Bryn Bradley (40)

11. Cadan Murley (C) (155)

10. Marcus Smith (199)

9. Will Porter (64)

1. Fin Baxter (77)

2. Sam Riley (87)

3. Ollie Streeter (17)

4. James Dun (5)

5. Kieran Treadwell (32)

6. Jack Kenningham (102)

7. Seb Driscoll (12)

8. Lucas Schmid (16)

IMPACT PLAYERS:

16. Jimmy Staples (7)

17. Will Hobson (44)

18. Pedro Delgado (22)

19. Elliot Williams (13)

20. Harry Browne (20)

21. Will Evans (137)

22. Lucas Friday (23)

23. Nick David (91)