With all the star power available on both sides, it was the unlikely figure of Jamie Benson who delivered a head-turning performance to engineer Harlequins’ stirring comeback against Saracens.

The last rugby player to be crowned man of the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a certain Antoine Dupont in last season’s Champions Cup final.

Benson’s rugby CV is slightly less impressive than his academic one, having taken three years out of his professional career to take a natural sciences degree at Cambridge University. Returning to Harlequins on a full-time basis this season, he was firmly at the bottom of their depth chart behind Marcus Smith, who was rested for this match, and Welsh international Jarrod Evans.

But at half-time with Harlequins 12-0 down having wasted numerous opportunities, head coach Danny Wilson turned to Benson, who has spent much of this season on loan at London Scottish, to replace Evans, who had been struggling with a sore hamstring. Benson immediately injected a more direct threat to the attack and off the tee he was calmness personified. He kicked three penalties as well as converting Ben Waghorn and Will Porter’s tries to secure Harlequins’ first away victory against Saracens in 13 years.

Harlequins are on the scoreboard and it's game on!

Oscar Beard runs hard and fast through the Saracens defence and Ben Waghorn touches down.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/MY024KBfuz

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

Jamie Benson makes his mark! 🎯🎯

The @Harlequins fly-half slots his second penalty from way downtown to give his side their first lead of the afternoon.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/Siav4KI1P6

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

“I was delighted to come on for a decent period of time and play a part in turning the game around,” Benson said. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to step in and delighted to see them go between the sticks.

“It does not take a genius to work out that it [being behind Smith and Evans] is a frustrating position to be in and I am working hard behind the scenes to try to be ready when I do get an opportunity,” Benson said. “It is a great environment to learn off those two guys and I am sure it will put me in a good position going forward.

“It was a tough decision to step away from the prospect of coming in full-time, straight out of school. I am delighted to have spent three years at Cambridge and now I have got my degree in my back pocket, I have something to fall back on. Thankfully Harlequins were very supportive throughout that time and kept in close contact. I was confident that, when I came back in, I was in a good spot to take my opportunity by the horns.”

Add this to the list of great Harlequins comebacks as they racked up 23 unanswered points in the final quarter to complete a Premiership double over their great rivals. It was vindication too for Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson, who not only rested the club’s senior England internationals in Smith, Fin Baxter and Chandler Cunningham-South, but tweaked their tactical approach to kick more before opening up in the final quarter.

“I am really proud of this group considering a few people would have had something to say about not selecting our three internationals and giving them the week off,” Wilson said. “We put too much pressure on our internationals to return [last year]. Think about what that campaign is for an international rugby player, physically, mentally and probably the big one we all forget is emotionally. They are huge games of rugby, win or lose. So we [gave] them a rest straight away regardless of who we were playing.”

For Saracens this will feel like a sickener given their first-half lead. Theo McFarland finished from close range after Saracens had countered from an Alex Dombrandt intercept before a classic piece of Alex Goode magic helped put Tobias Elliott over in the corner. Yet while Harlequins had been wasteful, they had controlled many parts of the game.

Saracens have come out firing ⚡️

Jamie George takes the quick-tap penalty and Theo McFarland applies the finish.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/i8C2xE24Rh

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

🪄 Alex Goode pulls out a magical pass to set Fergus Burke and Tobias Elliott away for the second @Saracens try on the stroke of half-time.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/xyYjiVwlRR

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

As Saracens boss Mark McCall pointed out afterwards, Harlequins’ dominance of the aerial exchanges, led by the scurrying work of Rodrigo Isgró and Nick David, as well as their struggles at the set-piece, denied the home side any toehold in the second half.

The other significant influence was the growing impact of the Quins flankers Will Evans and Jack Kenningham, who started bossing the breakdown. A Kenningham turnover four minutes from the end finally snuffed out Saracens’ hopes, with Porter finishing at the death.

What a turnaround as Will Porter finishes with a flourish!@Harlequins score 23 unanswered points in the second-half to take the win on Derby Weekend 😮 pic.twitter.com/S8w1DRBD2f

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

“Over the ball they were immense,” Wilson said. “We struggled in that area in the first half – the counter-rucking caused us issues and we needed to sort that out, and those two went to work in the second half in defensive breakdowns. When we kicked to go four clear they were going to attack, which they did, and Kenningham got one turnover, which was vital.”

---

05:20 PM GMT

Big impact from Benson

1️⃣3️⃣ Points
3️⃣ Penalties
2️⃣ Conversions
1️⃣ Match-winner

First time kicking in the #GallagherPrem? No problem for Jamie Benson 🔥#SARvHARpic.twitter.com/7ga6JxB567

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) March 22, 2025

---

05:13 PM GMT

Saracens miss out on chance to move into top four

---

05:10 PM GMT

Premiership table

1. Bath- 46 points (11 games)
2. Bristol- 40 points (11 games)
3. Leicester- 40 points (12 games)
4. Harlequins- 36 points (12 games)
5. Gloucester- 35 points (11 games)
6. Sale- 34 points (12 games)
7. Saracens- 34 points (12 games)
8. Northampton- 26 points (12 games)
9. Exeter- 15 points (11 games)
10. Newcastle- 9 points (12 games)

---

05:09 PM GMT

Tale of two halves

Saracens were 12-0 up at the break and Harlequins did not get on the scoresheet until the hour mark. The visitors scored 23 points in the final 20 minutes whilst Saracens failed to register a point in the entirety of the second half.

---

05:08 PM GMT

Man of the match Jamie Benson speaking to TNT Sports

"Very special, an unbelievable feeling!"

Player of the Match Jamie Benson certainly played his part in a comeback victory for @Harlequins, kicking 5/5 from the tee.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/Bc1qznPI6T

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

---

05:04 PM GMT

This weekend’s Premiership fixtures

Last night:

Northampton 0-33 Leicester

Newcastle 15-39 Sale

Today:

Saracens 12-23 Harlequins 

Bristol vs Exeter 5.30pm

Tomorrow:

Bath vs Gloucester 3pm

---

05:01 PM GMT

Full time

The ball is smashed into touch and Harlequins secure a rare away victory at Saracens. That is their first away win against Saracens in 13 years and they complete a league double over Saracens. The final score: 12-23. Benson is named man of the match and he made a big impact off the bench at half time. They were pointless at the hour mark but have scored 23 points in the final quarter to claim what looked like an unlikely victory.

Derby double ✌️#COYQ | #SARvHARpic.twitter.com/FNOrcHrtf1

— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) March 22, 2025

---

04:59 PM GMT

TRY! Porter seals it for Harlequins

They were down for so long in this match but Harlequins are going to win in north London. They win the ball back from a box-kick just outside the Saracens 22. Instead of just running down the clock, they spot space down the blindside and Riley finds David, who sprints into the Saracens 22 before offloading inside to Porter for the try. Benson nails yet another kick.

What a turnaround as Will Porter finishes with a flourish!@Harlequins score 23 unanswered points in the second-half to take the win on Derby Weekend 😮 pic.twitter.com/S8w1DRBD2f

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

---

04:58 PM GMT

77 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 16

Saracens are in possession on the Harlequins 22 but the visitors win another crucial penalty at the breakdown. In this second half Harlequins have won a number of penalties at rucks, with Kenningham and W Evans causing Saracens all sorts of problems. That has flipped from the first half when Saracens were disrupting Harlequins at the breakdown.

Brantingham is limping off in some pain and Mawi is coming back on.

---

04:56 PM GMT

PENALTY HARLEQUINS!

Benson is showing some calmness under pressure as he nails yet another kick. Harlequins lead by four with just under four minutes to go.

---

04:54 PM GMT

76 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 13

Lozowski is going to be in trouble here and you could see him look worried when the camera panned to him. It is a swinging arm from Lozowski but W Evans was dipping as the tackle came in, which may save him from a red card. For a moment it looked like referee Adam Leal was just going to play on but luckily the TMO has stepped in. But it is only a penalty! That feels remarkable! It was a swinging arm yet it was deemed that there was not a lot of force in that. I would like to see a challenge with force if that is not forceful.

Benson is going to go for goal again.

---

04:51 PM GMT

75 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 13

There are a few bodies on the ground, including W Evans with a head injury. It appears it was a high tackle from Lozowski that caused it and this needs to be checked.

---

04:48 PM GMT

73 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 13

Tompkins has failed his HIA so replacement scrum-half Simpson is on and is playing on the wing.

---

04:47 PM GMT

72 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 13

Herbst is taken out in the air as he receives the kick-off and Harlequins are awarded the penalty.

---

04:46 PM GMT

PENALTY HARLEQUINS!

Benson nails the kick again and, for the first time today, Harlequins lead in north London with just under ten minutes to go.

Jamie Benson makes his mark! 🎯🎯

The @Harlequins fly-half slots his second penalty from way downtown to give his side their first lead of the afternoon.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/Siav4KI1P6

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

---

04:46 PM GMT

70 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 10

Elliott is penalised for not rolling away as the tackler and this will be another shot at goal for Harlequins inside the Saracens half. The visitors point to the posts and Benson has the chance to put Harlequins into the lead for the first time today from nearly 50 metres out...

---

04:43 PM GMT

PENALTY HARLEQUINS!

It is flat and hard from Benson and it is effective as it dissects the posts to reduce Saracens’ lead to just two points.

---

04:43 PM GMT

68 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 7

Harlequins win a scrum penalty just inside the Saracens half. Riccioni is down for the hosts and is going to come off anyway to be replaced by Carey.

Harlequins point to the posts and it will be a lengthy kick for Benson.

Harlequins are slowly turning the table in the second half with Jack Kenningham and Will Evans now dominating the breakdown, which is severely limiting Saracens’ territory game. Ben Waghorn’s try after Oscar Beard’s searing break has brought them to within the score and now after another scrum penalty they get the opportunity to kick to the corner again. 

---

04:40 PM GMT

66 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 7

Harlequins make a few changes in the front-row as Hobson and Riley are on for Lamositele and Walker. Hobson is making his Premiership debut.

---

04:39 PM GMT

65 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 7

Saracens approach the Harlequins 22 but Kenningham and W Evans work brilliantly in tandem to win the visitors the penalty at the breakdown.

---

04:37 PM GMT

63 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 7

Lozowski should probably land the penalty but misses to the left. A let-off for Harlequins.

---

04:35 PM GMT

62 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 7

Saracens win a penalty on halfway and then Harlequins are marched back 10 yards for some words after the decision. Saracens take the pragmatic decision and point to the posts.

---

04:34 PM GMT

TRY! Waghorn gets Harlequins on the board

It has taken them an hour but they are on the scoresheet through a really nice try. He gets round the outside and spots a gap, which he sprints through. As he approaches the Saracens 22, he offloads inside to Waghorn who goes over untouched. The conversion is successful and suddenly there are just five points between the sides. That try really is owed to the individual quality of Beard, who made that try.

Harlequins are on the scoreboard and it's game on!

Oscar Beard runs hard and fast through the Saracens defence and Ben Waghorn touches down.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/MY024KBfuz

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

---

04:33 PM GMT

60 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

Onyeama-Christie is back from that horrible ankle injury suffered in the reverse fixture as Tompkins goes off for an HIA. A back-row replacing a centre. Interesting.

Gonzalez is actually fine to continue.

---

04:32 PM GMT

59 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

W Evans is slipping and going lower as he makes the tackle on Tompkins and, at worst, it is a glancing blow. The TMO has decided this needs a formal review. There is head-on-head contact but at most it is a glancing blow. It is probably a penalty but nothing more. Referee Adam Leal is not convinced initially there is head contact but is convinced by the TMO that it is penalty-worthy. Common sense prevails and it is only a penalty. That would have felt very, very harsh if it had been any more than that.

---

04:29 PM GMT

58 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

Saracens will be worried about this is Gonzalez has been down for a few minutes and looks in pain.

The TMO is taking a look at a hit from W Evans on Tompkins...

---

04:25 PM GMT

56 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

W Evans tries to steal possession at a ruck deep inside the Saracens 22 but referee Adam Leal penalises him for coming in at the side.

Green is on at full-back for Harlequins in place of Halfpenny.

---

04:23 PM GMT

55 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

Harlequins have it just five metres shy of the Saracens line but Herbst, on as a replacement, knocks on after a big tackle. Daly then attempts a crossfield kick from behind his own try line that goes horribly wrong but we go back for the knock-on.

---

04:21 PM GMT

53 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

Harlequins get a good shove on at the scrum and win the penalty just inside the Saracens half as Brantingham, only just on the field, is penalised. The visitors kick into the Saracens 22 and make a change as Els replaces W Jones at loosehead prop for Harlequins.

---

04:19 PM GMT

51 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

Three changes in the pack for Saracens as Dan, Brantingham and Isiekwe replace George, Mawi and Tizard.

---

04:17 PM GMT

49 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

Itoje offloads at the perfect moment to Gonzalez, who picks a sublime line just inside his own half and rampages into the Harlequins half. Her offloads to Burke, who then passes inside to van Zyl. The scrum-half is brought down just five metres from the Harlequins line but, a few phases later, W Evans steps in with a crucial intervention and wins Harlequins a penalty at the breakdown under his own posts with the visitors under huge pressure.

---

04:15 PM GMT

47 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

Benson has definitely had an impact since coming on at half time for Harlequins. Remember there is no Marcus Smith today for the visitors as he is taking his rest week following his exploits with England in the Six Nations.

---

04:11 PM GMT

43 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

Harlequins have possession deep inside the Saracens 22 but concede the penalty. Another visit into the Saracens 22 that does not yield any points for the away side.

---

04:10 PM GMT

42 mins: Saracens 12 Harlequins 0

McFarland charges down a Porter box-kick on halfway and it comes into the hands of Willis, who rampages forward. His offload though is intercepted by Benson. Porter then unleashes a sublime kick which rolls all the way into the Saracens 22 and he gets a 50-22 so Harlequins will have the lineout in the Saracens 22.

50:22 alert!

Will Porter nails the touch finder for @Harlequins 👌#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/tFFbxZT32a

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

---

04:07 PM GMT

Second half

We are back under way at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Will Saracens complete the victory to move into the top four or can Harlequins turn around a 12-point deficit?

Harlequins have made a change at the break as Benson replaces J Evans in the backs.

---

04:03 PM GMT

HT verdict

That Goode pass to set up Elliot’s try was by far the best moment of a rather disappointing first half which really emphasised the drop off in quality from international to club rugby. There are aspects that would appeal to the purists - Quins are dominating the scrum and aerial contests, while Saracens are bossing the contest on the floor. But there have been a staggering number of largely unforced errors. Harlequins probably don’t deserve to be trailing 12-0 but have been appropriately punished for their looseness.

---

04:01 PM GMT

This weekend’s Premiership fixtures

Last night:

Northampton 0-33 Leicester

Newcastle 15-39 Sale

Today:

Saracens 12-0 Harlequins HT

Bristol vs Exeter 5.30pm

Tomorrow:

Bath vs Gloucester 3pm

---

03:52 PM GMT

Half time

Burke kicks the ball out of play and, at the break, Saracens lead 12-0 thanks to tries from McFarland and Elliott at either end of the first half.

---

03:50 PM GMT

TRY! Elliott over in the corner after clever Goode offload

Saracens have a penalty advantage but they do not need it. They shift it into the hands of the backs and Elliott will owe Goode a beer after a sublime offload from the experienced full-back. He offloads brilliantly to Burke running round behind him and the fly-half gets to the outside. The pass then goes out to Elliott on the right wing and he goes over from close range. The conversion is missed but Saracens lead 12-0.

🪄 Alex Goode pulls out a magical pass to set Fergus Burke and Tobias Elliott away for the second @Saracens try on the stroke of half-time.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/xyYjiVwlRR

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

---

03:50 PM GMT

38 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Saracens are awarded a penalty on the Harlequins 10-metre line as Dombrandt is penalised for not rolling away. Burke’s kick to touch is excellent, giving the hosts an attacking lineout deep in the Harlequins 22 as we approach half time...

---

03:46 PM GMT

36 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Harlequins make good ground to the Saracens 22 but J Evans’ quick pass out to Dombrandt is adjudged to have gone forward. J Evans looks surprised that the pass was given as a forward pass but it looks like it just drifted forward.

---

03:43 PM GMT

33 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Harlequins work it nicely down the left wing and take it into the Saracens 22 but J Evans knocks on as he was tackled by Willis. An important tackle from the Saracens number eight.

---

03:41 PM GMT

32 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

That is superb work from W Evans, who steals possession at the breakdown for the visitors at a crucial moment inside his own 22.

---

03:40 PM GMT

30 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Saracens this time win the penalty at the scrum meaning it is now 1-1 in terms of scrum penalties. The kick from Burke this time is much better and Saracens will have a lineout inside the Harlequins 22.

---

03:36 PM GMT

28 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Tompkins causes problems at the Harlequins ruck just inside their own half and Dombrandt is penalised for being offside. Burke though misses touch as he is too aggressive with his kick towards the corner so Harlequins will have the scrum where the original penalty was. Saracens are definitely disrupting the breakdown when Harlequins are in possession so the visitors perhaps need to be looking more at the details around the ruck. Harlequins like to disrupt opposition breakdowns through the likes of Kenningham and W Evans but at the moment they are being caused issues at their own rucks.

---

03:34 PM GMT

25 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Quins have had three penalties in eminently kickable range, kicked all of them to the corner and have come away empty handed. Of course, there is a large degree of hindsight bias here but in a nip and tuck London derby it seems to be arrogance bordering on madness not to take the points when they are an offer.

---

03:31 PM GMT

22 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Saracens cause huge problems at a ruck under their own posts and steal possession. They then win a penalty and can escape their 22. Missed opportunity for Harlequins, who will be disappointed to come away without any points there. Should they have taken three points when it was on offer?

---

03:30 PM GMT

21 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Harlequins win the lineout and set the maul. Saracens come in from the side and Harlequins have a penalty advantage. Nothing comes from it so we go back for the original penalty. J Evans puts it back into the corner five metres out...

---

03:28 PM GMT

19 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Harlequins win the penalty at the scrum on Saracens’ feed just outside the hosts’ 22 and we have the first flare-up of the match. Instead of going for three, Harlequins go to the corner.

---

03:27 PM GMT

18 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Harlequins approach the Saracens 22 but Kenningham knocks on in contact. Harlequins have weathered the storm and are starting to come into the game.

Saracens are being forced into an early injury-enforced change as Segun has injured his shoulder/ pectoral muscle in a tackle earlier on Isgro. He had been struggling for a few minutes and could not continue. Goode is on in his place and comes on in his customary full-back position so Daly shifts out to the wing.

---

03:24 PM GMT

16 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

David is back on for Harlequins as the blood has been cleared up from his head.

---

03:22 PM GMT

15 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Harlequins win the lineout but Saracens do a good job of stopping the maul, forcing the visitors to get the ball out. Harlequins have it inside the Saracens 22 but the ball comes loose from a breakdown and Saracens hack the ball forward to clear their lines. Not enough attention to detail around the ruck there from Harlequins.

---

03:21 PM GMT

13 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Burke nearly pulls off a neat 50-22 but instead it rolls dead. In an attempt to try and dive on the ball Burke goes sliding forward and ends up accidentally taking out J Evans, who fortunately is ok as that could have been nasty. Harlequins will have a scrum inside the Saracens half.

They move it out to the right and Isgro is tackled not far outside the Saracens 22. They are awarded a penalty, which will allow them to kick into the corner. Van Zyl is the guilty party for being offside.

---

03:17 PM GMT

10 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Saracens punishing Quins for a loose, loose start. Jarrod Evans had already skirted with danger with a crossfield kick before Alex Dombrandt threw an intercept to Ivan van Zyl which resulted in Theo McFarland’s opening try. Segun then nearly carves through Quins defensive line on a first phase attack. Danny Wilson’s side really need to wake up otherwise the game could get away from them quickly.

---

03:16 PM GMT

9 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Saracens work it down the left and McFarland is brought down five metres from the Harlequins. Mawi looks like he might score but he drops the ball over the line and the chance is gone for the home side. Harlequins need to wake up or they could be out of this game quickly like they were in this fixture a year ago.

---

03:15 PM GMT

8 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

Harlequins are under the cosh here and need to weather this storm. Saracens are on it inside the Harlequins 22...

---

03:14 PM GMT

7 mins: Saracens 7 Harlequins 0

We are watching some replays of the build-up to the try. Just before Dombrandt threw the interception, there was an accidental offside from Saracens but because the try came after a penalty after the offside the officials cannot go back. Harlequins can probably feel aggrieved there.

---

03:11 PM GMT

TRY! McFarland over from short range

George takes it quickly and Harlequins are scrambling on their line. The ball is recycled to McFarland, who cannot be stopped from a few metres out. Lozowski converts the try and Saracens lead 7-0.

Saracens have come out firing ⚡️

Jamie George takes the quick-tap penalty and Theo McFarland applies the finish.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/i8C2xE24Rh

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

---

03:11 PM GMT

4 mins: Saracens 0 Harlequins 0

Dombrandt has possession just outside the Saracens 22 but van Zyl intercepts and kicks the ball ahead. It keeps trickling towards the Harlequins line and the visitors just about gather five metres out from their line. They go off their feet however and Saracens win the penalty...

---

03:09 PM GMT

2 mins: Saracens 0 Harlequins 0

The first scrum of the game will be Harlequins’ feed just inside the Saracens half after a forward pass from Daly. J Evans attempts a crossfield kick but Isgro is not on the same page. That was very strange as it was as if Isgro was not expecting J Evans to do that one bit.

Harlequins are forced into a very early blood replacement as Green is on for David.

---

03:06 PM GMT

Kick-off

We are under way at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Will Saracens move into the top four or can Harlequins leapfrog today’s hosts?

---

03:04 PM GMT

Kick-off fast approaching

The crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have been treated to plenty of pre-match entertainment and the fire cannons are in full force.

Harlequins, led out by captain Alex Dombrandt, emerge first before Saracens, led by England captain Maro Itoje, come out.

By my reckoning, the stadium announcer has asked the crowd to “make some noise” on at least five occasions, a plea which either fell on deaf ears or mute tongues at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Maybe I am being a curmudgeon who is far removed from the target demographic but the attempts to artificially generate atmosphere by screaming “let’s go” is among the worst aspects of the modern sporting experience.

---

03:01 PM GMT

Reminder of the teams

Saracens starting XV: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Tobias Elliott, 13 Alex Lozowski, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Rotimi Segun, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Ivan van Zyl; 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Jamie George, 3 Marco Riccioni , 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Hugh Tizard, 6 Theo McFarland, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8 Tom Willis

Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Phil Brantingham, 18 Alec Clarey, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Andy Onyeama-Christie, 21 Nathan Michelow, 22 Gareth Simpson, 23 Alex Goode

Harlequins starting XV: 15. Leigh Halfpenny, 14. Rodrigo Isgro, 13. Oscar Beard, 12. Ben Waghorn, 11. Nick David, 10. Jarrod Evans, 9. Will Porter; 1. Wyn Jones, 2. Jack Walker, 3. Titi Lamositele, 4. Joe Launchbury, 5. Stephan Lewies, 6. Jack Kenningham, 7. Will Evans, 8. Alex Dombrandt (c)

Replacements: 16. Sam Riley, 17. Jordan Els, 18. Will Hobson, 19. Irne Herbst, 20. George Hammond, 21. Jake Murray, 22. Jamie Benson, 23. Tyrone Green

---

02:58 PM GMT

Andy Onyeama-Christie speaking to TNT Sports

It's fantastic to see Andy Onyeama-Christie on the pitch today after that horrible ankle break last October.@ugomonye catches up with the @Saracens back-row.#GallagherPrem | #TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/Fe1ve2OVLG

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

---

02:55 PM GMT

Hosts getting ready

Locked in 🔒 for #TheShowdown5#YourSaracens💫 #SARvHARpic.twitter.com/lzswvkDOVa

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) March 22, 2025

---

02:52 PM GMT

What happened in this fixture a year ago...

London calling ☎️

Watch #TheShowdown5 live on TNT Sports and discovery + now 💥#GallagherPrem | #SARvHARpic.twitter.com/08usNk8MTi

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 22, 2025

---

02:47 PM GMT

Premiership table

1. Bath- 46 points (11 games)
2. Bristol- 40 points (11 games)
3. Leicester- 40 points (12 games)
4. Gloucester- 35 points (11 games)
5. Sale- 34 points (12 games)
6. Saracens- 34 points (11 games)
7. Harlequins- 32 points (11 games)
8. Northampton- 26 points (12 games)
9. Exeter- 15 points (11 games)
10. Newcastle- 9 points (12 games)

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02:40 PM GMT

Visitors gearing up

Final prep ✔️#COYQ | #SARvHARpic.twitter.com/CuTILHfpqk

— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) March 22, 2025

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02:37 PM GMT

Fans gathering

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02:33 PM GMT

Get your fix

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02:27 PM GMT

Full team news

Jamie George and Maro Itoje start for Saracens after returning from England duty whilst Ben Earl is rested. Scotland international Andy Onyeama-Christie returns to the bench for the first time in the Premiership since sustaining a bad ankle injury in the reverse fixture back in October.

Saracens starting XV: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Tobias Elliott, 13 Alex Lozowski, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Rotimi Segun, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Ivan van Zyl; 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Jamie George, 3 Marco Riccioni , 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Hugh Tizard, 6 Theo McFarland, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8 Tom Willis

Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Phil Brantingham, 18 Alec Clarey, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Andy Onyeama-Christie, 21 Nathan Michelow, 22 Gareth Simpson, 23 Alex Goode

Harlequins have opted to rest Marcus Smith, Fin Baxter and Chandler Cunningham-South. There is no Danny Care due to a foot injury so Will Porter starts at scrum-half with Welsh fly-half Jarrod Evans outside him. British and Irish Lion Leigh Halfpenny starts at full-back.

Harlequins starting XV: 15. Leigh Halfpenny, 14. Rodrigo Isgro, 13. Oscar Beard, 12. Ben Waghorn, 11. Nick David, 10. Jarrod Evans, 9. Will Porter; 1. Wyn Jones, 2. Jack Walker, 3. Titi Lamositele, 4. Joe Launchbury, 5. Stephan Lewies, 6. Jack Kenningham, 7. Will Evans, 8. Alex Dombrandt (c)

Replacements: 16. Sam Riley, 17. Jordan Els, 18. Will Hobson, 19. Irne Herbst, 20. George Hammond, 21. Jake Murray, 22. Jamie Benson, 23. Tyrone Green

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02:22 PM GMT

Visitors arriving

In the building 👊#COYQ | #SARvHARpic.twitter.com/ZtiYUosALE

— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) March 22, 2025

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02:15 PM GMT

‘It was like a horror movie’: Recovery from one of rugby’s most gruesome injuries

Andy Onyeama-Christie feared his career was over when he suffered a gruesome ankle injury in the reverse fixture back in October back at The Stoop. He makes his Premiership return today on his 26th birthday as he takes his place on the Saracens bench. Our deputy rugby union correspondent Daniel Schofield has sat down for a chat with the Saracens back-row.

Birthday fit 😮‍💨#YourSaracens💫#TheShowdown5pic.twitter.com/VWr2GbHo5H

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) March 22, 2025

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02:09 PM GMT

Hosts arriving

Fit check for #TheShowdown5 😮‍💨#YourSaracens💫 pic.twitter.com/gSj4E5UFTJ

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) March 22, 2025

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02:04 PM GMT

Harlequins team news

Your Starting XV for the showdown 🤜

🫡 Dombrandt Skipper
🏟️ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

📲 https://t.co/1wWAXca1EY

📦 Delivered by @DHLRugbyUK#COYQ | #SARvHARpic.twitter.com/gEoiktc0d0

— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) March 21, 2025

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02:02 PM GMT

Saracens team news

𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠'𝗦 𝗨𝗣 for #TheShowdown5!

🌎 Six Nations stars return!
©️ @maroitoje skippers the side.
1️⃣5️⃣ internationals in matchday squad.

🎟️ Book your tickets here: https://t.co/5bK6k64e9B

⁠ #YourSaracens💫 | @StoneX_Officialpic.twitter.com/xlR57k6nEx

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) March 21, 2025

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01:59 PM GMT

Match preview

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosts The Showdown as Saracens take on London rivals Harlequins as the Premiership returns from a two-month hiatus. Having taken a break during the Six Nations, attention now turns back to domestic rugby as we look ahead to the run-in with seven Premiership games left in the regular season.

Saracens begin the day in sixth but have the chance to potentially move into the top four with a victory by the end of the round. Their director of rugby Mark McCall has opted to include a number of his England internationals like Jamie George and Maro Itoje. All England players that had more than 80% game involvement during the Six Nations will have to be rested at some point in the next three weeks. Fresh from leading England during the Six Nations, Itoje is excited for today’s clash against their London rivals, with this fixture standing out to him in the calendar

“When the fixtures come out at the start of the season this is always one that you circle straight away,” Itoje said. “To run out at this amazing stadium in front of so many fans is a memory that stays with us for a long time and there is enormous excitement amongst the squad about the occasion.

“Coming back into the club earlier this week was great and it is always special to have everyone reunited for what is a massive run of games coming up. Our matches against Harlequins are always huge and with so much riding on this game in terms of the league I am sure Saturday [today] will be no exception. They showed their quality when we played them earlier in the season so we know we will need to be at our best in Tottenham.”

Meanwhile Harlequins are currently seventh, just one place and two points behind their opponents. There is no Marcus Smith, Chandler Cunningham-South or Fin Baxter for the visitors as they take their mandatory rest this weekend. Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson know his side will have to be at their best today to beat Saracens

“We have all been looking forward to the return of the Gallagher Premiership and the opportunity to take Saracens in an unbelievable venue at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,” Wilson said. “It is an exciting challenge for our group as we start the run-in against our local rivals. We know it is going to be a battle and we are going to have to put in an 80-minute performance to give us the best opportunity of securing a victory.”

Saracens have not lost at home to Harlequins in over a decade but in the reverse fixture back in October at The Twickenham Stoop, today’s visitors ran out 17-10 victors. That victory for Harlequins ended a run of eight straight defeats for today’s visitors as they claimed their first win over Saracens since January 2020. These sides met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium nearly a year ago today with Saracens destroying Harlequins 52-7.

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is at 3.05pm.

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