Marcus Smith’s return was fundamental for Harlequins to secure their first win of the season in the Gallagher Premiership, ending Saracens’ perfect start with a 20-14 defeat at The Stoop.
Smith, returning after his participation in the British and Irish Lions tour, scored Quins’ first try and led the aerial attack that ultimately sealed the defeat of their London rivals.
The talented England player also converted two kicks, the second after Tyrone Green’s try in the second half, and scored two penalties, surpassing Owen Farrell, who led Saracens from the center.
Farrell assisted on tries by Fergus Burke and Ben Earl with a sublime pass and a precise cross-kick, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his team’s third consecutive defeat to Harlequins.Marcus Smith’s return was successful for Harlequins.The home team dominated much of the first half, but went into halftime with a lead of only 10-7, with a Smith penalty making the difference.
The battle in the scrum, the kicking game, and individual highlight moments favored Quins, although they only managed one try for their dominance. Smith managed to break the defense in the ninth minute, evading Marco Riccioni.
Farrell missed a routine kick launched by Smith, which caused the joy of the local fans, who then celebrated when Kieran Treadwell stopped Tom Willis, Saracens’ number eight.
Both teams resorted to kicking frequently, with an average of one kick per minute in the first quarter, but Smith stood out in the aerial game thanks to his variety.
Saracens struggled to get out of their own half, but their attack came alive in the 27th minute when Farrell made a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, and Burke finished with a try.
Chandler Cunningham-South made a big tackle on Willis, and when the home scrum got a penalty, Smith converted it.
In the first minute of the second half, Quins extended their lead, when Burke couldn’t control a Smith kick, allowing Green to score.
Saracens tried to apply pressure in the home team’s 22-meter area, but their scrum was again their downfall, conceding a penalty that relieved their opponents.
The North London club was gaining momentum and in the 65th minute generated their second try, with Max Malins initiating an attack that culminated in Farrell executing an exquisite cross-kick for Ben Earl to score.
In the end, the game finished with Smith scoring his second penalty at the last moment, being named player of the match.
