Marcus Smith Leads Harlequins to Victory Over Saracens
The return of Marcus Smith inspired Harlequins to their first win of the season in the Gallagher Premiership, ending Saracens’ perfect start 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.
The talented English player also converted two goals, the second improving Tyrone Green’s try in the second half, and scored two penalties to surpass Owen Farrell, who controlled the game 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 prevent his team from suffering their third consecutive defeat against Harlequins.El regreso de Marcus Smith fue exitoso para Harlequins.The home team dominated most of the first half, but their lead at halftime was only 10-7, with a Smith penalty as the difference between the rivals.
The battle in the scrum, the kicking game, and great individual moments favored Quins, but they only managed one try thanks to Smith’s dummy in the ninth minute, beating a tackle from Marco Riccioni.
Farrell missed a routine kick launched by Smith, which caused the joy 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 on every opportunity, averaging one punt per minute in the first quarter, but it was Smith who dominated the aerial game thanks to his variety.
Saracens struggled to escape their own half, but in the 27th minute their attack came alive when Farrell delivered a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, and one pass later Burke scored a try that could be a contender for try of the season.
The outstanding Chandler Cunningham-South made a great tackle on Willis, and when the powerful local scrum earned a penalty, Smith scored.
The second half began with Quins extending their lead in the first minute, Burke couldn’t control a Smith kick, allowing Green to score.
Saracens tried to apply pressure in the home team’s 22, but the scrum was again their downfall, conceding a penalty that relieved their opponents.
The North London club was gaining momentum and in the 65th minute they achieved 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, sealing the game with Smith scoring his second penalty in the last minute, moments before being named player of the match.
