Newcastle v Harlequins predictions and rutgby union tips

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Newcastle v Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

Harlequins -4
2pts 10-11 bet365

Match preview

Harlequins open their Premiership campaign at Newcastle as defending champions, but even their staunchest fans might still be doing a double-take when they hear those words.

Going into the playoffs as 9-1 outsiders, Quins were branded too defensively suspect to succeed in a knockout format.

Yet they fought back from 28-0 down to beat Bristol in the semi-final and held off a late Exeter rally to prevail 40-38 in the final.

Now Quins are promising to do it all again, and whether they can make it count over the course of a season or not, they look good for an opening win at Newcastle.

The half-back pairing of Danny Care and Marcus Smith were the foundations of their success last season, and while Smith is still unavailable following his short involvement in the Lions tour, Italy fly-half Tommy Allan is a strong replacement on his debut.

Newcastle won their last three home games of last season, and saw off Quins 25-22 before that, but their line-up is weaker than ideal for this clash.

New signings from Quins - Mike Brown and Nathan Earle - aren't in the side, fly-half Toby Flood has retired and Quins can cover the small handicap.

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