HARLEQUINS ability to defend the title they won last season prompted immediate thoughts that the likelihood is very slim, just as it was when they last won the title in 2012.
However, Harlequins chances of retaining the Premiership crown has shifted radically in their favour because there should be a real emphasis on attack again this season as a result of no promotion and relegation. It means that there is nothing to lose at the bottom of the table, and at the top end although qualifying for Europe will still probably count, and might get tighter, all 13 clubs are in a position to adopt ...