Harlequins take their chances to see off resurgent Worcester
Harlequins picked up five valuable Gallagher Premiership points with a hard-fought 29-21 victory over a resurgent Worcester at Sixways.
The Warriors competed fiercely but the visitors were the more potent attackers and despite some nervous moments were deserved winners.
Tyrone Green, Danny Care, Tom Lawday and Archie White scored tries for Quins with Will Edwards converting two. Tommy Allan added a penalty and a conversion.
Noah Heward, Sione Vailanu and Seb Atkinson were Worcester’s try-scorers, with Finn Smith converting two and Billy Searle one..
Worcester conceded three early penalties to give their opponents an attacking platform but Quins could not capitalise as they knocked on 10 metres from the try-line.
Warriors made them pay by scoring the opening try in the 18th minute. On halfway, Alex Hearle exploded past a couple of weak tackles to race into the clear. The wing fed scrum-half, Gareth Simpson, who was hauled down but the ball was recycled for Heward to squeeze over.
The visitors soon replied with their opening try. They turned down a straightforward kick at goal in favour of a driving line-out and were rewarded when a well-judged kick from Edwards was skilfully controlled by Green, who picked up to score.
Quins then took the lead when Andre Esterhuizen’s power brushed aside would-be tacklers to send Hugh Tizard hurtling into the home 22 before Care saw a small gap to wriggle over.
However Warriors’ response was swift with Oli Morris haring down the left flank to set up a sustained period of pressure before a well-timed pass from Smith created an easy run-in for Vailanu.
Smith added the conversion to leave the scores level at 14-14 at the interval.
After the restart, a missed tackle from Worcester lock Graham Kitchener saw Cadan Murley secure the platform from which the visitors were able to dominate the opening exchanges of the second half.
A superb run from Huw Jones saw him evade numerous defenders but Lawday was unable to collect the centre’s poor pass, which surely have resulted in Quins’ third try.
It mattered little as moments later an excellent long pass from Edwards saw White sidestep a defender to score.
Quins then suffered a blow when Care was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on and Worcester looked to have immediately capitalised but TMO replays showed Vailanu had lost possession in the process of touching down.
Quins’ problems were exacerbated when lock Matt Symons limped off but the home side were not able to take advantage of Care’s absence, who returned with no damage done to the scoreboard.
Replacement outside-half Allan played at scrum-half when Care was in the sin-bin and it was he who extended his side’s lead with a penalty.
Care’s return was the catalyst for his side to dominate and they were rewarded with their bonus-point try from Lawday.
Worcester had the final say with a first Premiership try for Atkinson, although it was not enough to secure a bonus point.
Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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