Marcus Smith’s return to the field inspired Harlequins to secure their first win of the season in the Gallagher Premiership. In an exciting match, Saracens saw their perfect start come to an end, suffering a 20-14 defeat at The Stoop.
Smith, who made his first appearance after the British and Irish Lions tour, scored the first try for the Quins and directed the aerial attack that ultimately led to the defeat of their London rivals.
The talented England player also scored two goals, the second of which followed Tyrone Green’s try in the second half, and scored two penalties, surpassing Owen Farrell, who led the Saracens from the center.
Farrell, for his part, created tries for Fergus Burke and Ben Earl with a sublime pass and a precise kick to the opposing field. However, this was not enough to prevent his team’s third consecutive defeat against the Harlequins.Marcus Smith’s return was successful for the Harlequins.The hosts dominated much 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 key individual moments favored the Quins. Smith scored a try by faking a pass in the ninth minute, beating Marco Riccioni’s defense.
Farrell missed a kick launched by Smith, which caused the joy of the local fans, who celebrated the play of the number eight of the Saracens, Tom Willis, who was stopped in a tackle by Kieran Treadwell.
Both teams used the kicks at every opportunity, with an average of one kick per minute in the first quarter. However, it was Smith who dominated the aerial game with his variety.
The Saracens were struggling to get out of their half of the field, but in the 27th minute, their attack came alive when Farrell made a spectacular pass to Lucio Cinti, which culminated in Burke scoring a try.
Chandler Cunningham-South made a big tackle on Willis, and when the home team’s scrum got a penalty, Smith didn’t miss.
In the second half, when barely a minute had passed, the Quins extended their lead. Burke couldn’t control a kick from Smith, which allowed Green to score a try.
The Saracens tried to put pressure in the rival field, but the scrum was again their weakness, conceding a penalty that allowed their opponents to escape.
The North London club was gaining momentum and, in the 65th minute, they scored their second try. Max Malins initiated an attack that culminated with Farrell executing a precise kick for Ben Earl to score.
The pillar Boris Wenger had a try disallowed for a double movement, while the Quins sought to respond and spent the last minutes in enemy territory, securing the victory with Smith scoring his second penalty at the last moment, moments before being named Player of the Match.
