Harlequins v Newcastle, Aviva Premiership, October 2, KO 15.00
Quins take aim at wounded Falcons
ESPNscrum Staff
October 1, 2010
Harlequins' Joe Marler tries to break through the Chiefs defence, Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs, Aviva Premiership, the Stoop, London, England, September 25, 2010
Harlequins' Joe Marler takes the attack to Exeter © Getty Images
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After hammering Exter Chiefs last weekend, Harlequins are out to secure their second big win in succession against Newcastle at the Stoop on Saturday.

The Falcons were ripped apart by London Irish at Kingston Park last time out and will be low on confidence, giving coach Alan Tait plenty of headaches as he looks to avoid another relegation battle this season.

Quins have been inconsistent so far in this campaign but have shown flashes of their best, with fly-half Nick Evans proving to be a cut above on a number of occasions.

Harlequins - Player to Watch: Young loose-head Joe Marler has had plenty of good press in recent weeks and will want to put on a show against struggling opposition.

Harlequins - Team News: Conor O'Shea has made just one change to his matchday squad, bringing Tom Williams back onto the bench after injury.

Newcastle - Player to Watch: Former Munster playmaker Jeremy Manning gets his shot in the starting XV - he will provide some intelligent running from deep and a good kicking game.

Newcastle - Team News: Alan Tait has made a host of changes, restoring Will Welch, Luke Fielden, Jeremy Manning, Chris Pilgrim, Rob Vickerman and Grant Shiells to the starting line-up.

Key Battle: There are two Kiwi fly-halves on display at the Stoop and Newcastle's Jimmy Gopperth will need to get the better of the mercurial Evans if his side are to have any chance.

Trivia: Harlequins possess the heaviest player in this season's Premiership. James Johnston weighs in at 140 kg.

Stats: Newcastle have not won at the Stoop since September 30, 2000, when they prevailed 20-18.

Quote Unquote: "We've been very frustrated with our start to the season. We needed the win desperately because supporters forget how we played in those games without winning, but it was not a perfect performance, just a badly needed victory." - Quins boss Conor O'Shea after victory over Exeter

"Obviously we're hurting as a team and as a club. It's important that we get back on the horse and go down to Harlequins and get a result down there." - Newcastle hooker and stand-in skipper Rob Vickers

Fantasy: He may be a centre by trade but George Lowe has made a flying start to life on the wing for Harlequins and could be a good bet in the ESPN Premiership Rugby Fantasy Game.

Prediction: After cutting loose against Exeter, Quins should rack up another big win against a struggling Newcastle side.

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