| Harlequin: (21) 28 |
| Attempt: Esterhuizen, Smith, Murray, Riley Cons: smith 4 |
| Glasgow Warriors: (7) 24 |
| Attempt: cummings, matthews, horn pen: Horn Cons: horn 3 |
Hooker Sam Riley scored a late try as Harlequins defeated Glasgow Warriors in a thriller to book their place in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals.
The Warriors got off to a strong start, with Scott Cummings scoring a successful over and Quins hitting back with three tries.
Crosses from Andre Esterhuizen, Marcus Smith and Kaydan Marley gave the Reds a 21-7 lead.
Glasgow hookers Johnny Matthews and George Hone animated the match, but Riley responded to give Harlequins a historic victory.
It was Quins' first-ever knockout win in Europe's top competition, with the prize money to be claimed in next weekend's quarter-final against Bordeaux Begles or Saracens.
Struggling Saracens win away on Saturday Club record European defeat If they are defeated by Bordeaux in the pool stage, it will be Harlequins' first draw at home in the quarter-finals in 11 years.
Quins Endure Starring Smith
Franco Smith's starting XV includes 11 Scotland internationals and it is time for them to show their class, with Lock Cummings stepping up to reward Glasgow's quick start in attack. It didn't work.
Difficult rainy conditions did not hinder either team's play in the first half, with Quins refusing to take shots on goal as they sought maximum reward.
Their bravery ultimately led to a goal, as Marcus Smith's cross-field kick was neatly picked up by Esterhuizen on the wing.
The England playmaker missed the opening three rounds of the Six Nations due to injury but played in the match. winning drop goal In the fourth round against Ireland, he scored a try-in with a sharp finish. lost to france In Lyon.
His impact left England wondering what could have been had they deserved the whole Championship, and his dancing feet grabbing his team's second try once again showed his personal brilliance.
The 25-year-old then used his sharp hands to turn provider and send Marley straight back.
Glasgow have scored the most tries from mauls in all of Europe's leagues this season and turned to the deadly weapon when Matthews launched a counterattack after the interval.
Horn's try soon followed, killing a penalty and regaining the lead.
However, Quins regained their composure and opted for a driving maul to avoid a potential tie with a penalty, and their courageous decision was rewarded with the winning try.
In attack, Smith was flawless off the tee, converting three times in the first half and a fourth in the final minutes to keep Glasgow from getting within three points.
“That's a monkey off my back” – Smith
Most Valuable Player Smith said on TNT Sports about giving up a 14-point lead at halftime. “It seems like whenever we have an advantage, we push them, but that's something we're working on.
“We're not where we want to be yet, but it's exciting to get another win in Europe.
“This is kind of a monkey-dove because we've been falling at this hurdle for the last two years. We've never done it before, so we're going to have fun tonight.”
“The biggest thing was sticking to our plan. Glasgow are a great team and a lot of credit to the forwards for turning it around at the end.”
lineup
Harlequin: Green; Raina, Beard, Esterhuizen, Marley. Mr. Smith, please be careful. Baxter, Walker, Collier, Herbst, Hammond, Lewis (captain), Evans, Dom Brandt.
Replacement: Riley, Marler, Lewis, Launchbury, Trenholm, Loday, Green, Anderson.
Sin bin: Joe Marler (62)
Glasgow: McKay. Stein (Capt.), McDowall, Tuipulotu, Rowe. Horn, Jordan. Macbeth, Matthews, Z. Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M. Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacement: Hiddleston, Kebble, Soldoni, Mangezi, Miller, Venter, Dobbie, Weir.
Sin bin: Sione Tuipulotu (33)
Referee: Toual Trainy (France)
