Leigh Halfpenny set for Harlequins debut with Marcus Smith on bench

Leigh Halfpenny will make his competitive Harlequins debut on Sunday against Sale Sharks in the first round of the Gallagher Premiership.

The Welsh great will be one of two debutants at the Salford Community Stadium with Samoa tighthead Titi Lamositele also in the starting XV.

Following an intense summer with England and a limited pre-season as a result, flyhalf Marcus Smith has to contend with the bench.

Jarrod Evans will start in the No10 jersey, completing a halfback partnership with Will Porter.

The match will be a milestone for flanker Jack Kenningham and winger Nick David, who will both make their 50th appearance for Quins.

Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson said: “Sale is always a tough challenge, particularly at home, but we’re excited to start our season with a strong performance. The players have worked incredibly hard over pre-season, they’re ready for the challenge on Sunday and want to start the season on a positive note."

Harlequins XV

1. Fin Baxter

2. Jack Walker

3. Titi Lamositele

4. Irne Herbst

5. Stephan Lewies

6. Jack Kenningham

7. Will Evans

8. Alex Dombrandt (Captain)

9. Will Porter

10. Jarrod Evans

11. Oscar Beard

12. Lennox Anyanwu

13. Luke Northmore

14. Nick David

15. Leigh Halfpenny

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