Marcus Smith’s return revitalized Harlequins, who secured their first win of the season in the Gallagher Premiership, ending Saracens’ perfect start with a 20-14 defeat at The Stoop.
Smith, after his participation in the British and Irish Lions tour, scored the first try for Quins and led the aerial attack that ultimately tipped the balance in favor of his team against their London rivals.
The talented English player also scored two goals, the second after Tyrone Green’s try in the second half, and scored two penalties, surpassing Owen Farrell, who was leading Saracens from inside center.
Farrell assisted on tries by Fergus Burke and Ben Earl with a sublime delivery and a precise cross-pass, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his team’s third consecutive defeat against Harlequins.Marcus Smith’s return was a successful one for Harlequins.The home team dominated most of the first half, but their lead at halftime was only 10-7, with a Smith penalty making the difference.
The scrum game, the deliveries and individual moments of brilliance favored Quins, but they only managed one try in their dominance, with Smith scoring in the ninth minute after evading Marco Riccioni.
Farrell missed a routine pass from Smith, which brought joy to the home fans, who celebrated when Saracens number eight, Tom Willis, was stopped in a tackle by Kieran Treadwell.
Both teams used the kicking game frequently, averaging one punt per minute in the first quarter, but Smith dominated the aerial game with his variety.
Saracens struggled to get out of their half, but in the 27th minute, their attack came alive when Farrell made a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, and one pass later, Burke scored a try that could be a contender for try of the season.
Chandler Cunningham-South made a big tackle on Willis, and when the home team’s scrum got a penalty, Smith didn’t miss.
The second half began with Quins extending their lead in the first minute, when Burke failed to control a pass from Smith, allowing Green to score.
Saracens sought to pressure in the locals’ field, but the scrum turned out to be their undoing once again, conceding a penalty that freed their opponents.
In the 65th minute, the North London club generated their second try, with Max Malins initiating an attack that culminated in Farrell executing an exquisite cross-kick for Ben Earl to score.
The pillar Boris Wenger had a try disallowed for a double movement, and Quins spent the last minutes in enemy territory, sealing the game with Smith scoring his second penalty in added time, moments before being named man of the match.
