Harlequins v La Rochelle: Mike Brown back for Quins for Champions Cup clash
Last Updated: 14/10/17 5:26pm
Harlequins have made three changes to their starting line-up that played Sale last week for their Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle, live on Sky Sports Action.
Mike Brown returns from injury to start at full-back and is the only change within the backline.
In the forwards, James Horwill has recovered from concussion to captain the side while Ben Glynn starts in a re-shuffled back row at blindside flanker.
Glynn replaces the injured Jack Clifford who misses out after injuring his shoulder last week.
Among the replacements, summer signing Francis Saili will look to make his senior debut for the club.
Speaking ahead of the match, director of rugby John Kingston said: "Everyone at Harlequins has been waiting for the start of the European Rugby Champions Cup campaign from the moment we secured our place back in May.
"La Rochelle are a very impressive side and their recent record in the French domestic league speaks for itself.
"Saturday night will, however, see a special atmosphere in The Stoop and all concerned can't wait to get going."
La Rochelle name Ryan Lamb as their starting fly-half and he will run out alongside Alexis Bales in the half-backs, with Geoffrey Doumayrou and Paul Jordaan in midfield.
Victor Vito is at number eight behind a strong pack that includes Jason Eaton and Uini Atonio.
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown; 14 Marland Yarde, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Tim Visser; 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care; 1 Joe Marler, 2 Dave Ward, 3 Will Collier, 4 Charlie Matthews, 5 James Horwill, 6 Ben Glynn, 7 Chris Robshaw, 8 Mat Luamanu.
Replacements: 16 Elia Elia, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 Phil Swainston, 19 George Merrick, 20 Archie White, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Tim Swiel, 23 Francis Saili
La Rochelle: 15 Kini Murimurivalu; 14 Vincent Rattez, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Geoffrey Doumayrou, 11 Jérémy Sinzelle; 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Alexi Bales; 1 Dany Priso, 2 Hikairo Forbes, 3 Uini Atonio, 4 Jason Eaton, 5 Jone Qovu Nailiko, 6 Kevin Gourdon, 7 Zeno Kieft, 8 Victor Vito.
Replacements:16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Mike Corbel, 18 Vincent Pelo, 19 Gregory Lamboley, 20 Afa Amosa, 21 Jean-Victor Goillot, 22 Pierre Aguillon, 23 Gabriel Lacroix