It was a helter-skelter Friday night under the lights at Franklin’s Gardens, where Northampton beat Harlequins 33-29 in an enjoyably entertaining game.
The match was set up to be a showdown between England’s two likely fly-halves, Marcus and Fin Smith, but Harlequins’ injury crisis in the back three meant Marcus ended up starting at full-back for the club for the first time. Instead, he was squaring off against George Furbank.
The first half showcased the best and worst of Marcus Smith’s game. He was at fault for Saints’ first try, attempting to run his way out of trouble but ending up being penalized for holding on to the ball. However, he soon redeemed himself with a try for his own team, using his characteristic hitch kick and a wicked step that split the Saints’ defence.
Smith had scored two tries, given away another, and contributed to several conversions and penalties, accounting for 17 of Harlequins’ 22 points. The other five were scored by Jack Walker, who capitalized on a line-out drive after Saints conceded a penalty from the very first tackle of the match.
Northampton, on a run of 10 straight home victories in the league, found their rhythm during the break. They came out hard after the half, scoring a penalty try and eventually taking a six-point lead, which became 11 points with a wonderful off-load from Furbank.
The fun wasn’t over yet. Will Porter scored for Harlequins as they scrambled to get back into the match, making it a ninth and final try in a thrilling game.
