Superb Smith sends Quins into last 16 with virtuoso display

MARCUS SMITH was at his creative best on a bitterly cold Cardiff night as he helped Premiership champions Harlequins somehow salvage victory in a Heineken Champions Cup cracker and secure his team’s place in the last 16. The England wonderkid created three tries, scored one himself, and then won it at the death. It was a shame there were no fans here to see Smith because this was a superb match. Covid rules in Wales meant this game was played behind closed doors and while crowds will return in the country next weekend, there was only eerie silence last night. Harlequins began superbly as Smith made an immediate break and then booted a trademark cross-kick to the corner where Louis Lynagh finished. Smith nailed the touchline extras, but in front of Wales’ coaching staff, Cardiff wing Owen Lane then laid down a Six Nations selection marker. First, he showed too much power for the Harlequins defence to score in the corner. Then, after James Ratti had been driven over, Lane produced a try-saving tackle on Cadan Murley. Ratti’s try had come following a sensational Rey LeeLo break. After coming under pressure, Harlequins rallied.

Smith then kicked to the opposite corner to where Lynagh had scored. This time Tyrone Green went over. Still, nothing could stop Smith. He created a third Quins try with a superb inside ball to Alex Dombrandt who sent England hopeful Luke Northmore away. Cardiff didn’t go away quietly. They forced Dombrandt to be yellow carded. Cardiff’s Dillon Lewis immediately crashed over. Evans’ kick put Cardiff back ahead. He was matching Smith for creativity and then when Hallam Amos grubbered through, Lane didn’t dawdle did as he scored a fine second. It was Cardiff ’s bonus-point try and Corey Domachowski soon made it five before Danny Care hit back. Quins were now desperate. Smith kicked to the corner and repeated pressure forced another Cardiff yellow, this time for Kirby Myhill. Smith promptly went over and there was still time for Eddie Jones’ star man to win it with the final kick.