Marcus Smith’s return was the spark that ignited Harlequins’ first victory of the Gallagher Premiership season. The Saracens, for their part, saw their perfect start come to an end with a 20-14 defeat at The Stoop.
Smith, who made his first appearance since the British and Irish Lions tour, scored the Quins’ first try and directed the aerial attack that ultimately led to the defeat of their London rivals.
The talented England player also converted two conversions, the second improving Tyrone Green’s try in the second half, and scored two penalties to surpass Owen Farrell, who led the Saracens from the center.
Farrell created tries for Fergus Burke and Ben Earl with a sublime pass and a precise cross-kick, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his team from suffering their third consecutive defeat against Harlequins.The hosts dominated most of the first half, but their lead at halftime was only 10-7, with a Smith penalty making the difference between the rivals.
The battle in the scrum, the kicking game, and great individual moments favored the Quins, but they only managed one try to demonstrate their dominance. Smith, with a feint, managed to score in the ninth minute, overcoming a tackle from Marco Riccioni.
Farrell missed a routine kick launched by Smith, which caused the joy of the local fans, who celebrated when the Saracens’ number eight, Tom Willis, was pushed back in the tackle by Kieran Treadwell.
Both teams utilized the kicking game at every opportunity, averaging one kick per minute in the first quarter, but it was Smith who dominated the aerial game with his variety.
The Saracens were struggling to get out of their half, but in the 27th minute, their attack came to life when Farrell delivered a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, and one pass later, Burke finished a try that could be a candidate for the best of the season.
Chandler Cunningham-South, with an outstanding performance, made a great tackle on his opponent Willis, and when the powerful scrum of the home team obtained a penalty, Smith did not miss.
In the first minute of the second half, the Quins extended their lead. Burke failed to control a kick from Smith, allowing Green to fly in and score a try.
The Saracens tried to put pressure in the rival field, but the scrum was again their downfall, conceding a penalty that cost them dearly.
The North London club was gaining momentum and in the 65th minute, they scored their second try. Max Malins initiated an attack that culminated in Farrell executing an exquisite cross-kick for Ben Earl to score.
Prop Boris Wenger had a try disallowed for a double movement as the Quins attempted to respond and spent the final minutes in enemy territory, sealing the match with Smith scoring his second penalty at the last gasp, moments before being named man of the match.
