Marcus Smith’s return was the spark that ignited Harlequins’ first victory of the season in the Gallagher Premiership, ending Saracens’ perfect start with a 20-14 defeat at The Stoop.
Smith, in his first appearance after the British and Irish Lions tour, scored Quins’ first try and led the aerial attack that ultimately sealed the fate of 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 pulled the strings for 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 avoid his team’s 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.
The battle in the scrum, the kicking game, and key individual moments favored Quins, but they only managed one try in their dominance, with Smith breaking through in the ninth minute.
Farrell missed a routine kick launched by Smith, which caused the joy of the local fans, who celebrated when Saracens’ number eight, Tom Willis, was brought down in a tackle by Kieran Treadwell.
Both teams used kicks at every opportunity, averaging one kick per minute in the first quarter, but Smith dominated the aerial game with his variety.
Saracens struggled to escape their half, but in the 27th minute, their attack came alive when Farrell delivered a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, and Burke finished with a try.
Chandler Cunningham-South made a great tackle on Willis, and when the home scrum won a penalty, Smith didn’t miss.
In the first minute of the second half, Quins extended their lead, when Burke couldn’t control a Smith kick, allowing Green to score a try.
Saracens tried to put pressure in the local 22 meters, 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 created their second try, with Max Malins initiating an attack that ended with Farrell executing an exquisite cross-kick for Ben Earl to score.
The pillar Boris Wenger had a try disallowed for a double movement, while Quins sought to respond and spent the last minutes in enemy territory, securing the victory with Smith scoring his second penalty at the last gasp, moments before being named Player of the Match.
