THERE has not been much to recommend the run of new jerseys that have replaced the famous old Harlequins quartered shirt, and the latest lime green offering on show at Franklin's Gardens on Friday was no exception.
However, there was nothing green about an exceptional defensive display by their 19-year-old fly-half Marcus Smith as he foiled two Northampton tries in as many minutes. Smith is a mannequin of the modern game at less than 13 stone and barely 5ft 8ins, but he tackles like a small demon.
His first victim was the exciting Northampton wing Tom Collins, who made a clean break and then took an outside arc around Smith which looked as if it had left him for dead.
Collins, and the rest of us, were made to think again as the rapid Quins No.10 not only recovered but tackled the Saints flyer into touch.
Moments later Smith produced another Mighty Mouse moment when he made a flying cover tackle to smash Northampton centre Piers Francis into touch.
Unfortunately, Smith's high standards were not matched by the front five forwards of either side when it comes to handling in the loose. There will be no All Black-style total football from Premiership sides until their tight forwards can catch and pass.
