Tabai Matson hopes Harlequins will continue their flying start to the new Gallagher Premiership Rugby campaign when they host Worcester Warriors in their home opener at the Stoop.

The defending champions got the new season off to a perfect start with a bonus-point win away against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park in the opening round of action.

A brace of tries from flyer Louis Lynagh, coupled with scores from Joe Marchant and Danny Care - not to mention a scintillating display from Tommy Allan at fly-half in place of Marcus Smith - helped Quins to a 26-20 triumph against the Falcons, with their effervescent brand of attacking rugby on full display.

Newcastle were no pushovers for Quins and senior coach Matson reckons his side will hit the ground running when they take on Worcester.

“We got off to a fantastic start to our Premiership campaign with a win last weekend,” said Matson.

“Newcastle is a tough place to go and get a win. They’re a resilient side. Knowing how hard that challenge is, we’re really happy to have picked up a bonus-point win in Round 1.

“Like everyone else, there were a few rusty aspects of our game, but that’s natural in the first competitive game of the season.

“We’re looking forward to hitting the ground running in our first home game of the season when we host Worcester this weekend.”

Last season, Worcester managed just one non COVID-19 cancellation win throughout the entire league campaign, finishing bottom of the table.

However, they managed to match last season’s win total in the opening round of Premiership action with an impressive 36-24 victory over London Irish.

And Matson is well aware of the threat posed by Worcester, going further to say that Quins would not take the visitors lightly.

“Worcester again offers us a strong challenge this week,” added Matson. “They have recruited well over the summer and, like us, have started strongly with an opening win.

“There are a few familiar faces in the Worcester side with a few former Quins in their side, so we understand the quality of opposition we will have to overcome.

“From what we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks, we’re preparing for a team who will really go at us in the breakdown, something that Newcastle probably had a little bit of an edge on us.

“That’s probably the first battle line against Worcester. They tackle differently. They really slow down the ball, it’s not conducive to the way Quins want to play.”