The reason why Marcus Smith has been BENCHED by Harlequins for Premiership opener

The squad boasts a combined 1,549 first-team appearances, with Jack Kenningham and Nick David set to earn their 50th Harlequins cap, alongside competitive debuts for new recruits Titi Lamositele and Leigh Halfpenny.

In the forwards, recent England debutant Fin Baxter packs down with Jack Walker and Lamositele in the front-row. Irne Herbst and Stephan Lewies combine at second-row, with Kenningham and Will Evans on the flanks. Alex Dombrandt captains the squad at number eight.

Looking for consistency, scrum-half Will Porter and Jarrod Evans continue their halves partnership from pre-season, with Lennox Anyanwu at inside centre and Luke Northmore at 13. Oscar Beard and Nick David provide versatility on the wings, with debutant Halfpenny named at fullback.

That means there is only a place on the bench for England fly-half Marcus Smith after he missed pre-season due to playing a key role during England's summer internationalsy H.

Harlequins: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Nick David, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Lennox Anyanwu, 11 Oscar Beard, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Will Porter, 8 Alex Dombrandt (c), 7 Will Evans, 6 Jack Kenningham, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Irne Herbst, 3 Titi Lamositele, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Fin Baxter

Replacements: 16 Nathan Jibulu, 17 Jordan Els, 18 Simon Kerrod, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Dino Lamb, 21 Danny Care, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Cassius Cleaves

The new Premiership campaign will get underway on Friday, with Bath Rugby taking on Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons playing Bristol Bears live on TNT Sports.

Here's what the RUCK reporters predict for the first weekend of action.

Harvey Allen's Prediction (Newcastle Falcons Reporter):
"Both sides have recruited well whilst downsizing their squads, but Newcastle have taken a larger hit from injuries," says Harvey Allen. Looking back at last year's close encounter, where Bristol Bears came out on top, Allen predicts a repeat result, stating, "I’m predicting the same this time round."

Ben Thorne's Prediction (Bristol Bears Reporter):
Ben Thorne expects an improved campaign from the Falcons, especially with Steve Diamond now in the Director of Rugby position. "I expect a better season from Newcastle Falcons this year compared to last," says Thorne. However, he remains confident in Bristol's ability, especially following preseason victories against Connacht and Dragons. "I think Bristol win the game but by less than 7 points against a revitalised Newcastle."

Sam Jess's Prediction (Bath Rugby Reporter):
Bath are on a mission to put things right after their narrow loss to Northampton in last season's final. "Having lost the final to Northampton, Bath will be determined to write a few wrongs," explains Sam Jess. He acknowledges Bath’s preseason struggles but believes a packed Recreation Ground crowd could push them to victory. "With a Friday night crowd behind them and a chance to gain revenge from June, they will edge it in an opening night classic."

James Logan's Prediction (Northampton Saints Reporter):
Logan sees a close contest ahead but believes Saints will have the upper hand. "A repeat of the final at HQ back in June," he points out, noting that while Bath will be eager for revenge, "I can imagine it being a close one with the hosts wanting to get one over the champions." His final prediction: "I’m going for a 28-24 Saints win."

Jack Sanderson's Prediction (Exeter Chiefs Reporter):
Exeter Chiefs will be hoping to start strong after a solid preseason, but Sanderson warns of a tough challenge ahead. "Exeter will be looking to get their season off to a good start... but will have a tough start against the Tigers," Sanderson says, noting that Chiefs lost to Leicester in their final match of the 2023/24 season. "I think it will be a very tight and close-fought game, with the Chiefs edging it by 5-10 points."

George Wellbelove's Prediction (Leicester Tigers Reporter):
For George Wellbelove, the key factor will be Michael Cheika’s debut as Leicester's head coach. "Michael Cheika’s first game in charge should be a belter," he says, emphasizing the Australian’s desire to start strong. However, he warns of the tricky test that Exeter presents. "Expect a close game, but Tigers should come out victors in a contest of attrition and brute force."

Ben Baker's Prediction (Gloucester Rugby Reporter):
After a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, Gloucester will be looking for a fresh start with new additions, including Welsh halfbacks Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe, and the return of Christian Wade. However, Baker believes Saracens’ strength will be too much for Gloucester. "I expect Mark McCall’s Saracens to pick up a relatively comfortable win against Gloucester by about 15-20 points," he says, pointing to Saracens' quality, "especially in the pack."

Jon Page's Prediction (Saracens Reporter):
Jon Page shares a similar outlook, predicting Saracens will continue their strong form. "Premiership semi-finalists Saracens travel to Kingsholm full of confidence after an unbeaten pre-season calendar, and a 24-3 win in this fixture last year," says Page. While Gloucester’s new halfback pairing offers hope, he expects Saracens to prevail. "Saracens to win by 10 points."

Tom Sansom's Prediction (Chief Rugby Writer):
Harlequins face a tough away test against Sale, having won just once there since 2015. "Harlequins have one of their toughest Premiership away days up first," says Sansom. With Joe Marler out due to injury, Sansom predicts a high-scoring encounter. "I’m going with the home side in this one, but it is going to be a close, high-scoring affair." He expects Sale to edge it, predicting a 38-33 win.

George Davis's Prediction (Harlequins Reporter):
George Davis highlights the physicality Harlequins will face, especially with the absence of powerhouse centre André Esterhuizen. "Sale new boy Waisea Nayacalevu could make his debut against an Esterhuizen-less away side," Davis says, warning of a tough weekend ahead for Harlequins.