Skinner backs Harlequins to go one better

WILL SKINNER is determined to make Guinness Premiership watchers sit up and take notice that Harlequins mean serious business this season.

English rugby's 22-game domestic marathon – complete with contentious experimental law variations – comes under starter's orders at Twickenham tomorrow when Quins face Saracens and champions Wasps meet London Irish in the London double-header.

And Quins, having missed out on the title play-offs by one point last term, intend making an immediate statement of intent.

Skinner, who led England Saxons to Barclays Churchill Cup glory in North America earlier this summer, will captain a side likely to include New Zealander Nick Evans, Dan Carter's former All Blacks fly-half understudy and Quins' star pre-season signing.

Skinner said: "We want to show the rest of the Premiership that we have learned from last year, that we have that little bit more experience and we are going to use it."

Australia's 2003 World Cup coach Eddie Jones is in charge of Saracens and makes his Premiership debut.