Magical Marcus brings Quins back from brink

By ROGER PANTING

Cardiff …………….33pts

Tries: Lane 12, 55; Ratti 18, Lewis 53, Domachowski 56

Conversions: Evans 12, 18, 53, 56

Harlequins ……..36pts

Tries: Lynagh 6, Green 40, Northore 47, Care 61, Smith 75

Conversions: Smith 6, 47, 61, 75

Penalties: Smith 80

ONCE again Marcus Smith was Quins' saviour by scoring ten points in the last four minutes to guarantee his side a place in the quarter-finals.

Last weekend Smith deprived Exeter of victory by creating a last-minute try before adding a touchline conversion and more heroics were required as Quins looked beaten when they conceded three tries in four minutes while Alex Dombrandt was in the bin.

At that stage Cardiff led 33-19 but a yellow card for their hooker Kirby Myhill and Smith's remarkable talent turned the game the visitors' way.

Smith said: “I don't think we were at the races today but we stuck in there and were very resilient.

“To be rewarded with a penalty in the front of the posts by the forwards, who I thought were outstanding, was a massive relief.”

Quins were unconvincing as their midfield, missing the steadying influence of the rested Andre Esterhuizen, made numerous handling errors and will be concerned at the ease with which Cardiff scored from close-range.

Their pack still dominated the set-piece, forcing their opponents into conceding a host of penalties but they couldn't capitalise on a number of 5m lineouts. Sympathy has to go to Cardiff. They gave their all and it's sad there wasn't a crowd present to witness their brave performance in an enthralling game.

Wiggle room: Tyrone Green spins over to score despite the attentions of Tomos Williams

PICTURES: Getty Images

Owen Lane and Tomos Williams were their standout performers but a weak scrum and the huge penalty count proved crucial.

Quins started quickly to take an early lead when a well-judged cross-field kick from Smith was collected by Louis Lynagh, who sidestepped his way over.

Cardiff soon responded when swift passing gave Lane his chance, which he took in style by brushing off two defenders to score.

The hosts then took the lead when James Ratti crashed over from close range before Jarrod Evans missed a straightforward penalty.

As the half drew to a close Harlequins battered the opposition line. Cardiff successfully defended three 5m lineouts and a couple of scrums before Dmitri Arhip was yellow carded for repeated team infringements.

Quins immediately capitalised when Smith's cross-field kick created a try for the spinning Tyrone Green but Smith's conversion slipped by to leave his side trailing 14-12 at the interval.

Quins looked to have regained the lead when Danny Care touched down after another kick from Smith and an explosive run from Joe Marchant, but replays showed Care was in front of Smith's kick.

However Smith's creativity wasn't to be denied as his sweetly-timed pass sent Dombrant through a gap to provide Luke Northmore with an easy run-in.

It was Quins' turn to go down to 14 when Dombrandt was sin-binned for deliberate off-side and it almost proved disastrous.

First Dillon Lewis powered over, then a kick ahead from Hallam Amos saw Quins dither for Lane to grab his second before another strong run from the wing paved the way for a try for Corey Domachowski.

A Care try kept his side in contention before Myhill replaced Dombrandt in the sin-bin for the last eight minutes as Cardiff offended repeatedly.

Smith made them pay by evading two defenders to score before firing over the 30m winner with the last kick after Josh Adams was pinged for holding on.

Cardiff 's DoR, Dai Young, said: “There were lots of positives as we were unrecognisable from the side that played poorly at Edinburgh.

“At 33-19, we should be closing the game out but to comeback like that is a day at the office for them. Marcus Smith has got a highlights reel in every game.”