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Watch: Marcus Smith's impressive performance on 150th appearance

CARDIFF, WALES - JANUARY 13: Marcus Smith of Harlequins celebrates scoring their team's fifth try during the Investec Champions Cup match between Cardiff Rugby and Harlequins at Cardiff Arms Park on January 13, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)

Harlequins scored 40 unanswered points to overcome Cardiff with a bonus-point Champions Cup victory that saw Marcus Smith making his 150th appearance for the club.

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A sold-out Arms Park witnessed an impressive second half showing by Quins, who ran in eight tries for the 54-15 win.

Smith marshalled proceedings and scored 19 points of his own, including a second half try and seven conversions.

“It was a special night tonight. We knew how tough it was going to be, coming away to Cardiff,” said the England fly-half post match.

“We knew early we had to silence the crowd, because the crowd play a big part here. I thought the forwards up front really stepped up to the plate, I thought we had dominance there, and our outside backs were electric, so for me it was a joy to be part of.

“To play my 150th for this club, that I love, was special and hopefully many more.

Speaking on the 3G pitch at the Arms Park, which allows for a faster game, Smith was full of praise.

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“Obviously it’s a fast track here at Cardiff. We trained a little bit on a 3G this week. You’re able to throw the ball a bit more, you’re able to get more traction under your feet, and the ability to sidestep and do some nice running is a lot easier.

“And like I said, with the outside backs that we’ve got, they’re electric so, give them the ball in space and they can cause some magic. So for me, it made my life very easy.

“For us, at nine and ten, it was a joy to be a part of and nice to score some tries as well.”

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1 Comment
R
Red and White Dynamight 449 days ago

amazing player, must start for Engl.

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