Premiership: Five takeaways from Saracens v Harlequins as Owen Farrell wins duel with Marcus Smith

Colin Newboult
Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith and Saracens captain Owen Farrell.

Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith and Saracens captain Owen Farrell.

Following a 36-24 victory for Saracens over Harlequins in their Premiership fixture, here’s our five takeaways from the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Owen Farrell wins the battle of the England fly-halves

Both players produced good displays on their return to the Premiership but it was Farrell, who started three of England’s games at number 10 in the recent Six Nations, that shone brightest. Despite being helped by a dominant pack, where man of the match Billy Vunipola in particular reminded Steve Borthwick of his qualities, the Sarries playmaker produced a masterclass.

He took the ball to the line brilliantly, showed plenty of variety and also defended well, which included a vital turnover. His opposite number was left to chase the game and, as a result, there were a few poor decisions. However, those could be forgiven somewhat as Smith displayed several moments of class which kept Quins in the contest. Both are outstanding operators and it is a shame that England have failed to get the best out of either of them, whether it is individually or as a partnership.

Sarries variety too much for opponents

Saracens have become renowned for their forward strength over the years, but they are also a fearsome attacking unit. It is something they have developed as the seasons have gone by, with their skill levels now among the best in Europe. There has, however, been a shift in mindset this season where they have indeed become more ambitious and are willing to chance their arm from deep.

That was all on show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as they looked to shift the ball regularly, using their exceptional ball players – both up front and behind the scrum – to stretch the Quins rearguard. The hands were genuinely spellbinding at times as Sarries played with freedom to eventually touch down on five occasions.

Their ambition did lead to more mistakes and Billy Vunipola stated that there were a few too many errors for their own liking, but they also have the ability to go back to their bread and butter. Saracens currently have a well-balanced side and, on this evidence, will be very difficult to beat as the campaign reaches its denouement.

Harlequins still can’t defend

It’s always been a real issue for Harlequins, even when they won the title, but it is continually costing them this season. While we have already eulogised over Saracens’ attacking game, it must also be said that Quins made it all too easy for them. If the hosts had been a bit more clinical then they would have easily racked up over 50 points.

Back in 2021, they rather disproved the adage that ‘defence wins championships’, but since then they have shown that it doesn’t create dynasties. Quite simply, if the Twickenham Stoop outfit want to get back to the top table and stay there, they need to develop their work without the ball.

A key issue for not having an effective defence is that once results start going against you, it is much harder to turn it around. Confidence dissipates and that will inevitably affect the attack as well, making it very difficult to grind out results and get back on track.

Ill-discipline hurts visitors

As well as their defensive issues, they conceded a couple of needless yellow cards as Danny Care and Luke Northmore were both sin-binned. The scrum-half received his marching orders for slapping the ball down in an offside position before the centre followed him for catching Farrell in the face following an attempted charge down.

They were utterly brainless and, although Quins limited Farrell to just a penalty after Care’s yellow card, Northmore’s indiscretion was immediately followed by Maro Itoje’s match-sealing score. More pertinently, it stopped them from gaining any real momentum as they attempted to close the gap on the scoreboard. There were some nice moments from the visitors, but they too often let themselves down in key moments.

Entertainment aplenty in front of full house and free-to-air TV

It was probably the most entertainment Tottenham fans have seen at their ground all season. Although it wasn’t a thriller as such, with Sarries much the better side, it was filled with ambition and skill, making it a great spectacle for those 55,000 in attendance, as well as the people watching at home.

The encounter was broadcast on free-to-air channel ITV and it showed the sport in a positive light. This deal between the Premiership, BT Sport and ITV, which allows the odd game to be put on freeview, is a great way to help grow rugby union. Hopefully it pays dividends in both viewing numbers and kids taking up the sport.

READ MORE: Saracens show class to beat Harlequins in London derby and secure home semi-final

Features Marcus Smith Owen Farrell

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