'So smart': Eben Etzebeth's quick thinking stuns Harlequins with crafty runaway try

Sharks lock Eben Etzebeth came up with a cunning piece of play to stun Harlequins at the Stoop stealing the ball from the base of the ruck and streaking 40 metres away untouched to score.

His unique try exploited rules around unbound players at the ruck which saw Harlequins prop Joe Marler detach early with an improper bind.

That meant the ball was live, allowing Etzebeth to stalk around the breakdown and pinch the ball out of the scrumhalf Danny Care's hands.

Harlequins were setting up a box kick at the time and were left confused by the play, not reacting in time to be able to chase down the Springbok lock.

A counter-ruck push by a Sharks forward was the catalyst for Marler's bind becoming unbound, with Etzebeth timing his poach perfectly.

Etzebeth's quick thinking highlighted the dangers of caterpillar rucking if officials are going to enforce the binding rules properly.

Early in the second half a similar situation unfolded as Harlequins set up to exit via a box kick, but this time Marler made sure his bind was correct.

Former England flyhalf Andy Goode heaped praise on Etzebeth and explained why the try stood after a review.

Etzebeth was widely praised by fans on Twitter for exposing the caterpillar ruck while England's experienced Test duo Care and Marler were criticised for their lack of accuracy and effort on the play.

The Harlequins outscored the Sharks by five tries to four in the end to secure a spot in the Round of 16 with a 39-29 win.