Marcus Smith during his inspirational performance in the Premiership final
(Picture: Getty Images for Harlequins)Flanker Jack Kenningham believes the presence of playmaking starlet Marcus Smith in Harlequins’ matchday squad for the first time this season will provide an instant lift for the Champions against Bristol Bears tonight.
Smith has been resting up after a gruelling summer of Premiership, England and Lions duty, but returns on the bench tonight.
He will come on for his excellent new understudy Tommy Allan.
“It’s nice to have our Marcus back, our Lion,” said Kenningham, another of Quins’ young stars.
“It’s pretty special having him come onto the bench, having him come on for Tommy, it’s a bonus that will pick the boys up during the game.”
At half-time at the Stoop, Quins will parade one of Kenningham’s predecessors on the flank, Chris Robshaw, before a packed house. Robshaw left the club after 16 years during lockdown, so his final game was played before an empty stadium.
Kenningham believes the crowd should expect some entertainment. This is a repeat of last year’s Premiership semi-final, which saw Quins recover from 28-0 down at half-time to win in 43-36 in extra time.
“We know what Bristol can do, they like to play exciting rugby,” he said. “Similar to us in certain aspects. It should be a really good game for the fans.
“It’s been brilliant to have the fans back but there’s something special about a Friday night under lights and I can’t wait.”
