Adam Williams presents his prediction for the European Rugby Champions Cup match.
Both clubs suffered at the hands of last year’s Champions Cup winner, Toulouse: Racing 92 in the Round of 16, and Harlequins in the semi-finals. Now, both will aim to secure a higher group position to avoid facing the champion again.
Racing 92
The club from the Parisian suburbs will take to the field without Owen Farrell, who knows Harlequins well. The English fly-half underwent surgery last month. Currently, his role is filled by another Englishman, Dan Lancaster, while Nolann Le Garrec handles free kicks and corners. In the latest Top 14 round against championship leaders Toulouse (17:21), the young Frenchman contributed seven points. Racing couldn’t get on the scoreboard until the 45th minute, and despite scoring 17 consecutive points in 22 minutes, they couldn't hold onto their lead.
Harlequins
Such swings can be dangerous against Harlequins. Despite sitting seventh in the Premiership, they have won three of their last five matches. They faced difficulties in late November following the Autumn internationals: they were edged out in the Cup by Saracens (26:28) and in the league by Bristol Bears (24:48). Both opponents are in the Premiership playoff zone. These two losses were partly due to the absence of key playmaker and kicker Marcus Smith, who was given a well-earned rest after four internationals for England in November. He is expected to feature at Paris La Défense Arena.
Racing 92 vs Harlequins Prediction
Nevertheless, the hosts will have a challenging time against Harlequins. The teams have confronted each other frequently in the Champions Cup, making this their fifth meeting in five years. Each side has won twice, with home territory proving no guarantee of victory. Indeed, last December, it was the Londoners who triumphed in France (31:28). We believe they will at least secure a point in this encounter.
