Newcastle Red Bulls vs Harlequins: Jason Gilmore believes Alex Dombrandt deserves an England recall

Preview: Newcastle Red Bulls v Harlequins

Today. Kick-off 3pm, Kingston Park

Harlequins chief Jason Gilmore believes Alex Dombrandt is in the form of his life and merits a recall by England this summer.

The No.8 has stood out in a struggling Quins side but has not played for England since the victory over the United States last year, his 23rd cap.

Even with Tom Willis not considered because of his decision to move to France at the end of the season, Dombrandt was left out with England opting for a bevy of openside flankers.

“Alex is playing the best I have seen him,” said Gilmore, below, Quins head coach. “He is the captain of the club and feels that responsibility.”

Shines

He added: “It is easy to lead when you are winning games but when you are on the back foot a little bit that is when it really shines.

“He and Cadan Murley have done an excellent job in keeping the boys really tight.

“Alex is a baller and what I respect is his work in the tough areas of the game.

“He led the carry, tackle and breakdown turnover counts against Bristol, carrying tough in the tight and throwing himself around in defence.

“The England back row is pretty stacked and outstanding but do they need something different in terms of ball carrying size?

“Alex is playing outstandingly and I hope his efforts do not get washed away because of the performances we have had this year.

“I would like to think he will be selected.”

Leader: Harlequins No.8 Alex Dombrandt
PICTURE: Getty Images

Aggressive

Dombrandt leads Quins at Newcastle today with Quins needing to add to their 10 successive Prem victories over the Red Bulls to remain in contention for a Champions Cup berth.

“We aim to go there and be aggressive,” said Gilmore. “A fast start is crucial because Newcastle are a different beast at home and we will need to be on our game.

“The season has not gone how we intended, but I am still hungry and greedy and want us to pick up a win or two.

“I want to see grit, determination and fire on the goal-line.”

Quins’ campaign has been undermined by injuries with 29 players unavailable at one point.

Injury

England loosehead Fin Baxter was one of them and he has not played since the middle of December after picking up a foot injury.

“He is an important player for us and we have missed him,” said Gilmore. “He is back in training and may be ready for our last game (against Northampton) – he will be available for England in the summer.”

Quins have made three signings for next season with Gilmore saying he expects to be busier in the next recruitment window with 16 players signing new deals, including Chandler Cunningham-South, Jack Kenning-ham and Oscar Beard.

Gilmore said: “We are planning to recruit well in 12 months and add power to get bang for our buck.

“We have signed a couple of internationals we believe will make a material impact and kept some very good players.

“We have had so many injuries that when the likes of Fin, Oscar and Will Porter return, they will be like new signings.”