Physicality will make or break Quins hopes – Konkel

Saracens v. Harlequins Rugby Premiership Women’s Semi-final

Date: Saturday, March 1 Kick-off: 00 GMT Location: StoneX Stadium

As the London teams meet in Saturday’s PWR semi-final, Harlequins captain Jade Konkel says she is looking forward to the most recent chapter of their cross-town rivalry with Saracens.

Following the relaunch of the women’s top flight in 2017, the two teams made their first play-offs meeting since Saracens won their 2022 semi-final.

Scotland’s eighth-ranked Konkel described it as “a great rivalry” ever since I first entered the Premiership in 2018.

Because you know there will be two teams properly going after it, it makes it a little bit more special.

The two teams have won on previous home games while reclaiming the spoils from the regular season.

Saracens won their fifth consecutive game to move up to second place and reach the semi-finals at home thanks to their 33-10 victory at the Stoop.

We all know that Sarries are a physical side, Konkel said, “but I was watching that game because I was unfortunate to have picked up a knock.”

We are aware that they will try to recreate that physicality over the weekend, so how do we do that. That physicality factor will determine whether or not something works.

Saracens have home advantage all the way to a potential title with the 16 March final taking place at StoneX Stadium.

Coach Alex Austerberry refutes the idea that his side’s mental health may depend on it, saying that it could be crucial for the three-time champions.

Saracens had a 14-0 lead over the Bears before the underdogs fought back to win 29-21, making them the first team to reach the PWR semi-final.

If you get agitated over incidents and a particularly risky experience, Austerberry said.

The main takeaway from that game is how we handled situations and how we handled certain situations poorly.