London Irish v Harlequins predictions and rugby union tips: Exiles to claim early advantage

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

London Irish to win first half
2pts 8-11 Hills

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Match preview 

London Irish couldn’t close out a famous win at Montpellier in the Champions Cup last weekend and punters would be wise to keep in mind the Exilies’ inability to get across the finish line when assessing Sunday’s London derby against Harlequins. 

Irish have made a habit of starting quickly this season and built a 21-point lead against the French champions, only for them to allow Montpellier to battle back for a 21-21 draw that saw dumped the Exiles out of Europe. 

London Irish will be eager to put that disappointment behind them quickly in front of a big crowd at the Gtech Community Stadium, where Irish have won four out of five Premiership matches this season and have been ahead at the break in seven of eight league and Champions Cup outings.

Backing Irish to go into the interval with a lead looks a decent bet given the superior closing ability of Quins, who won't be at full-strength due to the absence of their England stars but have shown some better form of late, potentially making for a nervy finish for 80-minute and handicap backers.

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