Harlequins
RACING CANCELLED: Racing Metro 8 - 32 Harlequins
By Alanquin
December 7 2013
There have been some famous victories by Harlequins over French clubs in the Heineken Cup. There was the stunning victory in the Stade de France over the favoured Stade Francais emphasised the following week by the fabled 29 phases that ended with Nick Evans’ drop goal to clinch the victory. One recalls the disbelief in the French crowd that followed the defeat of the galacticos of Toulouse. But doubt not that the splendid bonus point win 8 – 32 against Racing Metro 92 is entirely worthy of being part of that pantheon.
But that is just the bare bones of the matter. It says nothing of the passion and emphatic imposition of pace on the play and possession and retention of the ball. It says nothing of the moments of magic that allowed Harlequins to dominate their opponents. The early exchanges were a forward battle with Racing seeking to attack but making unforced errors to blunt the physical encounter. Harlequins defended with precision, turned over possession more than once and the French did not have their own way in the scrum. Lineouts were accurate in both throw and take.
With Quins playing their usual offloading game with ball in hand, they largely kept play away from dangerous areas of their own half. Evans kept play in the Racing half with good accurate kicks that Quins chased well. Not that Quins were entirely free of error. An attempted grubber kick through from Hopper was intercepted and led to a dangerous counter attack, but a fine tackle from Smith ended the danger.
Then came the moment that set the tone for the rest of the encounter. Nick Evans saw a gap between two props and, with the sublime acceleration he can produce, was through the space, stepped and brushed off the full back, Hernandez, and scored between the posts. He added the simple conversion. Two minutes later, from a penalty at a scrum, Evans added another three points to open a ten point lead.
Quins were clearly growing in confidence and a fine attack sparked by Casson almost saw Hopper score in the corner, but the try was denied by the television official. From the subsequent Racing lineout, Quins recovered possession and were again on the attack. A fine pass from Care to Easter saw the latter pirouette and break through to score the second try. Evans added the extras. Racing tried to counter but the Quins’ defence held firm. With time running out to the interval, a penalty allowed Racing to open their account. The half time score was 3 – 17.
Despite knocking on the restart Quins resisted the follow up attack and a penalty allowed Evans to clear to the half way line and, when the French went offside he added another three points with the half barely two minutes old. For the French worse was to follow as Hernaandez knocked on a Danny Care box kick straight into the arms of Charlie Walker who set off like a hare for the tryline and easily outpaced any defender. Evans conversion from the touchline brought the lead to 3 – 27 in the fifth minute of the half.
Now Racing began emptying their bench. Johnny Sexton came on at half time and it was not long before his Lions half back partner, Mike Phillips, made his debut for the hosts. It took a while to have an impact. Then a fine touch from a penalty allowed Sexton to set up an attacking lineout and the catch and drive that followed brought a Racing try. But the conversion kick failed. Harlequins were now in search of the bonus point try and almost inevitably they succeeded as a fine catch and drive at a lineout saw Dickson touch down at the back of the drive.
This was a performance of real quality and character and immense performances from Evans, Easter, Robson and a notable effort from Dave Ward were supported throughout by all the team. It is almost invidious to choose from among them. It was also welcome to see signs of injury list reduction in the appearance from the bench of Paul Doran-Jones and Nick Kennedy.
With skill, determination and perseverance Quins scored two tries, from Evans and Easter, in the first half and despite conceding a try to their opponents added two more in the second half from Charlie Walker and Karl Dickson
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Stumbleupon07/12/2013 19:23
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Racing lost their crowd and looked thoroughly dejected at the end of the match. The Mexican wave and the booing and jeering of their own players was not something you expect although I know that French crowds can be fickle.
Quote:Rocker
...the booing and jeering of their own players was not something you expect although I know that French crowds can be fickle.
They boo a lot in France when things go wrong; witnessed it quite a few times and seen/heard it lots on the telly...
The game's afoot;
Follow your spirit: and upon this charge,
Cry — God for Harry! England and Saint George
I was sat a couple of seats away from you - it can't have been easy writing notes in that cold!
SQ
Quote:I really dislike the Mexican wave, but on this occasion found it quite funny.Rocker
The Mexican wave and the...
I was sat in the South Stand a watched an almost perferc wave go all round the stadium with almost everyone involved until it hit the main quins contingent and not one of you moved. Brilliant.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:12:10:12:01:07 by akb1.
Quote:deadlyfrom5yardsout
Maybe it only happens when you're there......
I was dressed up as you, so it is possible...
The game's afoot;
Follow your spirit: and upon this charge,
Cry — God for Harry! England and Saint George
