Marcus Smith’s return was the spark that ignited Harlequins’ first victory of the Gallagher Premiership season, while Saracens saw their perfect start come to an end 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 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 two penalties, surpassing 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’s third consecutive defeat against Harlequins.Marcus Smith’s return was a successful one for 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 Quins, but they only managed one try for their dominance, with Smith breaking through 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 celebrated when 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.
Saracens were struggling to get out of their half, but in the 27th minute, their attack came alive when Farrell made a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, and one pass later, Burke finished a try that could be a candidate for try of the season.
Chandler Cunningham-South made a big tackle on Willis, and when the home team’s powerful scrum earned a penalty, Smith scored.
The second half began with Quins extending their lead in the first minute, when Burke couldn’t control a Smith kick, allowing Green to score.
Saracens sought to apply pressure in the home team’s field, but the scrum was again their downfall, conceding a penalty that gave their opponents an advantage.
The North London club was 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.
Prop Boris Wenger had a try disallowed for a double movement, while Quins were looking to respond and spent the final minutes in enemy territory, sealing the game with Smith scoring his second penalty just before being named man of the match.
