If Bath thought they had suffered a summer of terrible headlines they should have decamped one hundred and twenty miles or so east and faced the storms of outrage that have blown over Harlequins. John Kingston promises the team has been able to keep its head down and weather one of the biggest media hurricanes to have hit the game but the biggest question for this team is can they get anywhere near last season’s lofty achievements without their discredited mastermind, Dean Richards?
Within playing circles there remains sympathy for the man, outside the sport it is more a case of sympathy for the devil. The story seems to be one of these tales without an end; until it does Harlequins will sense the shadow of Richards looming over the club.
His was the giant presence which transformed Harlequins into challengers in both England and Europe. A side short on superstars but organised well and superbly motivated, there was definitely something of the old Leicester in the club. Now Kingston and the players must recreate the vibes that were so positive for so long at this club which needs to hold its nerve and a decent place in the Premiership this season.
It’s biggest hope lies in the fact that few teams can match the team between 6 and 10. Chris Robshaw and Wil Skinner guarantee consistent graft and Nick Easter some hefty control while Tom Guest should improve further given last season’s huge promise.
At half back Danny Care has to mellow ever so slightly and Nick Evans needs to stay free of injury. If both occur and Jordan Turner Hall gets his distribution game up to scratch, the storm may finally blow over. The Harlequins supporters have endured a horrendous summer, they deserve a better autumn.
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Prediction:7th