The return of Marcus Smith was the spark that ignited the first victory of the season for Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership, ending Saracens’ perfect start with a 20-14 defeat at The Stoop.
Smith, returning to action after his participation in 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.
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 led Saracens from the center.
Farrell, for his part, generated tries for Fergus Burke and Ben Earl with a sublime pass and a precise cross-kick, but it was not enough to avoid his team’s third consecutive defeat against Harlequins.Marcus Smith’s return was a successful one for Harlequins.The home team dominated much of the first half, but their lead at halftime was only 10-7, with a Smith penalty making the difference.
The scrum confrontation, the kicking game, and key individual moments favored Quins, although they only managed one try in their dominance, with Smith dodging his marker in the ninth minute.
Farrell missed a routine kick from Smith, provoking the joy of the local fans, who celebrated Kieran Treadwell’s action against Tom Willis of Saracens.
Both teams used the kicking game frequently, averaging one kick per minute in the first quarter, but it was Smith who controlled the aerial game with his variety.
Saracens struggled to get out of their own half, but in the 27th minute, their attack came alive when Farrell made a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, and Burke finished a play that could be a candidate for try of the season.
Chandler Cunningham-South, with an outstanding performance, made a great tackle on Willis, and when the powerful scrum of the home team obtained a penalty, Smith scored the kick.
The second half was just beginning when Quins extended their lead, Burke failed to control a pass from Smith, allowing Green to score a try.
Saracens tried to put pressure in the rival field, but the scrum was again their weakness, conceding a penalty that benefited their opponents.
The North London club began to gain momentum and, in the 65th minute, they scored 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, while Quins sought to respond and spent the last 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.
