Bristol vs Harlequins Preview & Tips - Bristol backed for narrow win against Quins

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 18 Jun 2021

Ralph Staniforth 18 Jun 2021

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Bristol vs Harlequins predictions for Saturday’s English Rugby Premiership semi-final
Fixture is being played at 13:00 BST at Ashton Gate
Bristol have won 7 of their last 9 home matches and topped the Rugby Premiership table
I am tipping Bristol advance to the final with a victory by less than 12 points
Preview, predictions, stats & team news

Expired

Bristol have beaten Harlequins in their last two matches, both of which were this season (Getty Images)

Bristol vs Harlequins Preview & Tips

Bristol come into this match in fine form while the Harlequins have lost their last six on the road. Five of those defeats have however been very close encounters and this one should be much the same. A Bears win by less than 12 points offers great value.

Bristol have won their last 2 matches against Harlequins by less than 12 points.
Bristol have won 7 of their last 9 home matches.
Harlequins have lost their last 6 away matches.
Harlequins have lost 5 of their last 6 away matches by less than 12 points.

Head to Head

Bristol have won both league matches against the Harlequins this season. Their last match ended in a 35-33 home win to Bristol. Earlier in the season the Bears beat the Quins 27-19 at Twickenham Stoop.

Bristol Form

Bristol have enjoyed a magnificent season in the English Rugby Premiership. They topped the table with 17 wins from their 22 matches to end with 85 points.

Unfortunately their final league match was called off last week against London Irish due to COVID-19 infections. Prior to that the Bears were in good form with three wins from their previous four matches.

That run began with a 40-20 win at Bath before thrashing Gloucester 39-7 at home. Bristol followed that up with one of their poorer performances as Sale Sharks defeated them 22-12 at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Fortunately Bristol managed to bounce back to beat Leicester 26-23 away from home to take some momentum into this semi-final.

Bristol Team News

Pat Lam will welcome back prop Kyle Sinckler after he recovered from a hamstring injury. Charles Piutau has recovered from an archilles problem and should start.

Harlequins Form

Harlequins cruised into a fourth place finish in the English Rugby Premiership. They finished on 71 points, 14 clear of fifth place with 13 wins in their 22 matches.

Last week the Harlequins were very impressive in their 54-26 win at home over Newcastle but it is their away form that is concerning. Both of the Quins last two away fixtures have ended in defeat.

They lost 35-29 to Leicester before suffering a 45-12 thrashing at the hands of Sale. Sandwiched between those two defeats is a 44-33 home win over Bath.

Harlequins Team News

Harlequins are missing a few players through injury for this match. Stephan Lewies has joined George Head, Jordan Els, Matas Jurevicius, Nathan Earle, Oscar Beard, Paul Lasike and Will Evans on the treatment table.

Andre Esterhuizen and Mike Brown are both suspended for this clash.

Bristol vs Harlequins FAQ

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Verdict

Bristol v Harlequins

Bristol have won six of their last seven home fixtures while Harlequins have lost their last six on the road. I am backing Bristol to win by 12 or less points.