Marcus Smith wants The Stoop 'rocking' as Harlequins host Bath

The hosts are riding high after a historic 17-10 derby win over Saracens - their first after eight successive defeats stretching back to 2020 - while Bath head into the clash having won three of their four games so far to sit third in the table.

Having opened their campaign with an impressive 38-16 victory over reigning champions Northampton Saints, Smith knows the Somerset side are not to be underestimated but Quins are up for the fight.

"The feeling in the camp is nice and positive," Smith said.

"Last weekend was unbelievable for all of us, but we know how much of a threat Bath are.

"They're coming to our home, The Stoop, so we need it bouncing and rocking so we can do the fans proud."

Quins have tentatively reshuffled last weekend's winning line-up, as club captain and no.8 Alex Dombrandt, full-back Tyrone Green and centre Luke Northmore all return from injury. 

With the likes of infamous play-maker Finn Russell at no.10 for Bath, Harlequins know the importance of a solid defensive structure and are ready to confront the challenges a fast-paced, creative thinking opposition. 

"They're a very attacking minded team which tends to bring the best out of us, and they've got a brilliant half-back in Finn Russell and Ben Spencer, so we're going to have to be right at the top of our form," Smith added.

"As well as that they have a big forward pack, so our forwards are going to have to dig deep and go to a dark place, a few steps higher than we were last week. It's always a tough test but we've been working hard on our physicality."

Smith returns to the field in the no.10 jersey with Will Porter also continuing in the back, meanwhile props Fin Baxter, Titi Lamositele and hooker Jack Walker make up an unchanged front-row.

Argentinian winger Rodrigo Isgro will make his debut start alongside Cadan Murley on the left, an experience which Smith remembers fondly.

"The Stoop has always been a special place for me," he said.

"Personally, the fans have always had my back and you see how excited they get week in, week out whether we win, lose or draw. They always turn out in numbers and it doesn't go unnoticed.

"The group are super excited every time we get an opportunity to play at The Stoop - we're obviously desperate to make it a tough place to come and play - so we're excited to welcome Bath this weekend.

"We want to get The Stoop crowd behind us early doors and it can be rocking like it was last Sunday."

Harlequins Women will also hope to thrive on an electric atmosphere as they go in search of their first win of the campaign against Leicester Tigers in Round 3 of the PWR on Sunday night.

Quins Women have lost both their opening two matches against Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester-Hartpury but put in battling displays in each.

Yet head coach Ross Chisholm has named an unchanged pack for his side’s first away trip, with Jessie Spurrier starting at loosehead alongside Maja Meuller at hooker and Lizzie Hanlon at tighthead. 

Izzy Hannay and Canada’s Sara Svoboda and Nicole Wythe form the formidable trio at the back, with vice-captain Harriett Millar-Mills returning at second-row alongside Lauren Brooks.

Ella Cromack and Freya Aucken tag-team at half-back alongside captain Lagi Tuima at inside centre, prepared not to shy away from the physicality and pace Tigers will no doubt bring to the contest.

Yet Assistant Coach Chris Laidlaw believes the campaign openers have taken the side on a steep learning curve and left them more excited than ever to showcase their talent in front of an away crowd. 

He said: “We’re under no illusions as to how tough the trip to Leicester will be, but we’re massively excited around the challenge they present.”