"Farrell vs Smith" 3 England Battles Within 'Showdown 3' Saracens v Harlequins

Saracens currently rule the roost at the top of the Gallagher Premiership table, having lost just three matches out of 16 this season. Harlequins are disappointed to currently sit at eighth, yet are just eight points adrift of the play-offs, making this match all to play for.

The returning Six Nations players are the focal point of the match, with key battles presented in many areas of the pitch. Here are the five key battles to look out for, for Saracens vs Harlequins.

Without a doubt the most anticipated battle within the war, Owen Farrell lines up against Marcus Smith as the England rivals collide. The England number 10 jersey was in the spotlight throughout the entire 2023 Guinness Six Nations, as Head Coach Steve Borthwick entrusted both superstar halfbacks to lead the line throughout the competition.

Borthwick tried numerous combinations, opening with Smith at 10, with Farrell standing off at centre, yet defeat to Scotland saw Smith dropped to the bench. Farrell led the line as England secured wins over Italy and Wales, with Smith featuring for just 14 seconds against Warren Gatland's side. The saga continued with Smith dropped entirely, before being re-called to start against France, after an undeniable performance for Quins against Exeter Chiefs.

The Harlequin was one of England's best players, in the historic defeat at Twickenham, yet was an unused replacement in the finale loss to Ireland. This weekend is Marcus Smith's opportunity to stamp his authority over Farrell, as the power struggle for the 10 jersey heats up again, ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Two players with unmistakeable styles, Smith's fearless abandon will lead Harlequins' exciting and open play-style. He will carry at pace to the line, before playing a teammate through, or using tricky footwork go it alone. Farrell's proven world class prowess, will see him want to take the game from the scruff of the neck, and boss every intricate detail as the architect in the Saracens' gameplan.

Since the appointment of Steve Borthwick as England's Head Coach, Billy Vunipola has not been involved with the national side. Eddie Jones favoured Vunipola as England's go-to Number Eight, however the 30-year-old has not yet been able to gain favour in the Borthwick era. Alex Dombrandt is the new eight-man, with the Harlequin featuring in each of England's matches throughout the 2023 Six Nations.

The torch has seemingly already been passed, but a lot can happen from now and the 2023 Rugby World Cup. There is speculation around Vunipola's Saracens future, with transfer rumours surrounding a potential exit from the Stone X Stadium. Former Wasps back-rower Tom Willis is set to join Saracens ahead of next season, and will be in contention with Vunipola for the number eight jersey.

Alex Dombrandt is steadily coming into his own for England, and has been a fan favourite at the Twickenham Stoop since making his debut in 2018. He was criticised after England's Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland, yet recovered well and fought valiantly throughout the remainder of the competition. It was a Six Nations to forget for England, yet Dombrandt presented positive signs for the future.

Dombrandt and Vunipola will do battle up front on Saturday, in a physical contest between the two powerhouse line-breakers. Front-foot ball will be essential at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, with both players eager to set their side out with attacking momentum early on.

3. Hooker - Jamie George vs Jack Walker

In the small space of just a week's time, Jamie George goes from being the mentor to Jack Walker within England's training camp, to lining up against the young Harlequin in the scrum. A true battle between master and apprentice, Walker has the opportunity to show George just what he has learned, when the two front rows collide on Saturday.

Walker struggled for game-time throughout the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, with George entrusted with the full 80 minutes on all but one occasion. However, the 2023 Six Nations will be forever remembered by Walker, as he made his England debut in an off-the-bench appearance against Italy. Walker accrued just 27 minutes in the competition, but has taken the first steps on his journey to be the next 'England number 2'.

He seems to have been fast-tracked to the front of the queue, as Borthwick believes in the 26-year-old's potential. Walker may even be benefitted by the upcoming transfer of Luke Cowan-Dickie to Montpellier, as the hooker is set to leave Exeter Chiefs in the Summer. Cowan-Dickie was the second-in-command to George throughout the Eddie Jones era, and made 41 caps for his country. Yet this move to France's Top 14 could hinder Cowan-Dickie's selection hopes, as the RFU decide their regulations on England eligibility once again.

When the first scrum is called, it would not go amiss to see Walker and George exchange 'friendly words of encouragement' to one another. Tensions are surly set to rise in this crucial match for Harlequins, with the London rivals set to reach a fever-pitch this weekend.