Harlequins v Glasgow Warriors: Five takeaways as England powerhouse dispels ‘second season syndrome’ worries while injury to key player leaves Gregor Townsend concerned

Colin Newboult
Chandler Cunningham-South and Cadan Murley (inset) in action for Harlequins against Glasgow Warriors.

Chandler Cunningham-South and Cadan Murley in action for Harlequins against Glasgow Warriors.

Following a 24-7 victory for Harlequins over Glasgow Warriors here are our five takeaways from the Investec Champions Cup encounter at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

The top line

Harlequins are still alive in Europe as they pulled put all the stops to overcome an outstanding Glasgow Warriors side in a display of abrasive carrying, pinpoint kicking and a wonderful aerial battle to take the spoils at the Stoop. The hosts threw everything at their opponents to get the bonus point win they needed to ensure third place qualification in a frenzied climax to committed and physical match, but it wasn’t to be.

This was never a match that you’d pin up on an art gallery wall, but the game was contested with fierce brutalism around the contact area as two high quality back-rows dictated the ebb and flow of the game.

Missing a number of players, notably their talisman Sione Tuipulotu, Glasgow looked less than their usual selves, unable to really get any form of foothold in the set-piece or on the gainline, but it could be argued that Harlequins really upped their defensive effort, blitzing, barging and big-hitting their way as they delivered the 3Bs of rush defence to perfection.

Quins’ tries came courtesy of the outstanding Chandler Cunningham-South, James Chisholm and a wonderful 50m run in from Cadan Murley after a magnificent turnover from Will Evans. Tom Jordan answered for Glasgow but they struggled to break through that suffocating defence from the hosts.

Back in form

There is a suggestion that Cunningham-South, who made his Test debut during the 2023/24 campaign, is suffering from ‘second season syndrome’ and it seems like he has taken that criticism to heart. On Saturday, the hugely gifted back-rower did everything in his power to dispel that notion by producing a barnstorming display, sitting down a number of Glasgow defenders.

Cunningham-South was particularly exceptional early on as Quins produced a fast start to move 17-0 in front in the first quarter. The blindside was rewarded for his early endeavour with a try before he also played a part in Chisholm’s score to stun an in-form Glasgow outfit. He was never not going to be named in England’s Six Nations squad, but Steve Borthwick will be pleased to see him putting it about again.

Similar styles and winning contact

It is fair to say that both of these teams like to play and most observers probably expected a points fest but it certainly did not transpire that way. It was not for a lack of trying with both sides attempting to play with pace and spread the ball wide, but credit must go to the respective defences, who were tireless.

As a result, it became a bit of an error-strewn encounter despite the attacking endeavour leading to a number of breaks. Plenty of opportunities were created but most were simply not taken. However, Quins certainly deserved their victory as they finally fronted up in the Champions Cup and won the physical battle.

Led by the aforementioned Cunningham-South, who was ably supported by Chisholm and Jack Kenningham, they regularly sent the Warriors defence into reverse. It duly restricted Glasgow to fleeting moments of brilliance – one of which ended in Jordan going over – in what was a disappointing evening for the Scotsmen.

Leinster v Bath: Five takeaways as Beno Obano ‘harsh’ red changes everything while Finn Russell’s brilliance ‘unpicks’ Jacques Nienaber’s defence

Concern for Gregor Townsend

Every Six Nations head coach is on injury watch this weekend and the Scottish boss would have been worried when Scott Cummings went off with an injury in the first half. The extent of the problem will be known in the coming days but the lock looked uncomfortable as he was replaced with an arm issue and was later seen in a sling.

Scotland do have a couple of fine second-rows in the form of Jonny Gray and Grant Gilchrist, but Cummings has become a key part of that front five and started every match in the Autumn Nations Series and last year’s Six Nations. Hopefully it is nothing too serious but the early signs are not promising for either Townsend or the Warriors lock.

Six Nations auditions

A lot of the big news was England focused. Cunningham-South looked back to his very best version of his abrasive self, whilst Fin Baxter stood up well against a Scot Test prop in Zander Ferguson. On the wing, Murley’s hunger for work is exactly what Borthwick expects from a Test back three player and his 50-metre run-in was reward for his industry.

In the centres, Oscar Beard demonstrated that priceless ability to beat players with pace and power as he looks to kick start his Test career. It says something about Beard’s trajectory that he went head-to-head with former Harlequins and Scotland Test star Huw Jones and matched the international moment for moment – a real feather in his cap.

As for the Scots, Glasgow are littered with players who will line up in their Six Nations opener against Italy, but few really stood out. The back-row of Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey were, as ever, industrious, while Jordan and Jones had their moments behind the scrum, but they ultimately struggled to get on the front foot.

READ MORE: Northampton v Munster: Five takeaways as ‘unheralded’ Saints star to see off Irish side who ‘revive spirit of old’