Marcus Smith’s return inspired Harlequins to their first win of the season in the Gallagher Premiership, while Saracens saw their perfect start come to an end with a 20-14 defeat at The Stoop.
Smith, making his first appearance since the British and Irish Lions tour, scored Quins’ first try and directed the aerial attack that ultimately led to the defeat of their London rivals.
England’s playmaker also converted two conversions, the second improving Tyrone Green’s try in the second half, and two penalties to surpass Owen Farrell, who led 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 at the scrum, the kicking game and great individual moments favored Quins, but they only managed one try to show their dominance, with Smith deceiving and scoring in the ninth minute, beating a tackle from Marco Riccioni in the process.
Farrell missed a routine kick launched by Smith, which caused the jubilation of the local fans, who then celebrated when Saracens’ number eight, Tom Willis, was pushed back in the tackle by Kieran Treadwell.
Both teams punted the ball at every opportunity, with the first quarter producing an average of one punt per minute, but it was Smith who dominated the aerial game thanks to his variety.
Saracens were struggling to get out of their half, but in the 27th minute, their attack came alive when Farrell delivered a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, and one pass later, Burke finished a try that could be the best of the season.
The outstanding Chandler Cunningham-South made a great tackle on Willis, and when the home team’s powerful scrum earned a penalty, Smith converted it.
The second half began with Quins extending their lead, Burke couldn’t control a Smith kick, which allowed Green to score.
Saracens looked to apply pressure in the opposing field, but the scrum proved to be their downfall once again, conceding a penalty that allowed their opponents to get out of trouble.
The North London club were gaining momentum and, in the 65th minute, they scored their second try, with Max Malins initiating an attack that ended with Farrell executing an exquisite cross-kick for Ben Earl to score.
At the end of the match, Smith was named player of the match.
