Harlequins claim Champions Cup spot despite narrow loss

Harlequins celebrated at the final whistle as they secured their place back in Europe’s premier club competition, despite losing out in a tense, nail-biting contest.

The London club scraped in as they picked up a losing bonus point, which was just enough to ensure they finished on the same number of points as their opponents but grabbed sixth place thanks to winning more games in the Premiership season.

Northampton could still gain a place in the play-offs for the competition if Gloucester do not beat Stade Français in the European Challenge Cup Final this Friday.

Saints also had an injury scare over flanker Tom Wood, who had to be helped off the field injured in the first half, but the 30-year-old forward, capped 50 times by his country, was diagnosed with a minor back problem after the game, and should be ready to take his place on the England plane to Argentina.

After Lions prop Kyle Sinckler led Harlequins out to mark his 100th appearance, his side started fast, but following a predictably see-sawing first half between two sides always keen to entertain, they had to be content with sharing the spoils 17-17.

The visitors made the perfect start, capitalising on Saints centre Nafi Tuitavake’s clearance flying straight into touch, and applying heavy pressure from the resulting line-out near Northampton’s line.

James Horwill eventually took command of the ball and, picking it up at a ruck, bulldozed his way over from close range, with Nick Evans converting for a 7-0 lead.

Northampton struggled to gain any real momentum in easily their biggest contest of the season, and when Evans increased Quins’ lead with a penalty, the home fans grew restless.

The loss of Wood from the action after just 15 minutes was another setback to the home side’s hopes. He was replaced by Teimana Harrison, and within moments of the restart, Saints clawed their way into the game.

Slick passing across the back line led to Harry Mallinder feeding the oncoming George North, and the Wales international surged over for a try.

Mallinder converted, and then French No 8 Louis Picamoles fed Alex Waller to cross the Quins line from short range. Mallinder converted but the visitors pounced to put their noses back in front when Mike Brown was brought down just short of the line, but the supporting Joe Marchant followed up to finish off the move.

Evans converted to give Harlequins the lead, but there was still time for Mallinder to square things up before the break with his first penalty.

Evans edged his side ahead again with a penalty, but then was left holding his shoulder after trying to tackle Dylan Hartley. The fly-half, playing his final game before retirement, ignored the pain to continue for a few more minutes. However, the 36-year-old, who has spent nine years at The Stoop, seemingly decided it was best to leave the field rather than become a liability to his side, and trundled off to be replaced by 23-year-old Tim Swiel in the 57th minute.

It was not the way Evans would have wanted to end his long playing career, but the New Zealander had certainly given everything for his club once more in the heat of battle.

Harlequins were reduced to 14 men in the 59th minute when lock Charlie Matthews was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock on with Saints on the offensive.

Northampton camped on the Quins line to try to regain the advantage, but had a try ruled out when Luther Burrell’s looped pass wide to Tuitavake went forward.

The home fans were on their feet when their side finally forced their way over thanks to replacement lock Api Ratuniyarawa, who had only been on the field a couple of minutes. Mallinder missed a straightforward conversion and Saints still needed another converted try to stop Harlequins getting the losing bonus point. They failed to do so, and now have to wait to see if Gloucester fail to win the Challenge Cup in order to reach the play-offs.

England lock Courtney Lawes admitted: “We have to wait to see what happens. If we get the chance to go again in the play-offs then we will prepare for that and give it what we can.

“We have not had the most consistent season and have not been able to put it together enough times, which is what you need to be a top team.”