Harlequins scored three tries as they overcame a wasteful Gloucester 28-15 at Kingsholm.
Marcus Smith, who featured in Sir Ian McGeechan’s 10 best young players in the world, kicked Quins into an early nine-point lead.
Gloucester got on the scoreboard through Danny Cipriani, but the fly-halves wayward kick soon after led to Cadan Murley opening the try-scoring for the visitors before Stephen Lewies intercept score gave Quins a 21-3 lead at the break.
Jake Polledri and Matias Alemanno crossed for the Cherry & Whites after the restart, but Quins held on for the win with Scott Steele scoring their third try..
Scroll down for Gloucester vs Harlequins player ratings.
STATS ZONE
- Most tackles: Franco Marais (Gloucester) – 14
- Most missed tackles: Luke Northmore (Harlequins) – 4
- Most carries: Jake Polledri (Gloucester) – 15
- Most metres: Joe Marchant (Harlequins) – 69
- Most defenders beaten: Jonny May (Gloucester) – 5
- Most offloads: Joe Marchant (Harlequins) – 2
- Turnovers conceded: Danny Cipriani (Harlequins) – 4
RUCK’S MAN OF THE MATCH:
Stephen Lewies (Harlequins): The second-row ran in an interception try from 60 metres out. He looked absolutely knackered and needed his inhaler, but we don’t blame him! Terrific performance from the Quins skipper.
STAR PLAYERS
Marcus Smith (Harlequins): The dynamic Quins playmaker accumulated 11 points from the tee and stood up bravely in defence, making 10 tackles for the visitors.
Jake Polledri (Gloucester): The new number eight is a phenomenon and it comes as little wonder that George Skivington has moved him from flanker to the back of the pack. He made 42 metres from 13 carries, scoring his sides opening try. By far Gloucester’s best player.
UNDERPERFORMERS
Danny Cipriani: An appalling kick was intercepted and cost his side the opening try before he butchered a relatively easy pass that would have had Jonny May in for a certain try. His pass was also intercepted for Quins’ third score. The normally dependable playmaker, who could have also been easily yellow carded for a high hit on Andre Esterhuizen, looked very sloppy after two matches off.
Gloucester vs Harlequins player ratings
Gloucester: Louis Rees-Zammit 7, Ollie Thorley 5, Chris Harris 6, Mark Atkinson 6, Jonny May 7, Danny Cipriani 4, Stephen Varney 5, Jake Polledri 8, Lewis Ludlow (c) 7, Jack Clemen 7t, Matt Garvey 6, Ed Slater 6, Jack Stanley 6, Franco Marais 7, Val Rapava-Ruskin 6
Replacements: Henry Walker 6, Corne Fourie 6, Fraser Balmain 6, Matias Alemanno 7, Jordy Reid 6, Joe Simpson 6, Lloyd Evans 5, Billy Twelvetrees 5
Harlequins: Mike Brown 7, Cadan Murley 7, Joe Marchant 7.5, Luke Northmore 5, Aaron Morris 6, Marcus Smith 8, Danny Care 7, Alex Dombrandt 8, Will Evans 7, James Chisholm 7, Glen Young 7, Stephan Lewies 7.5, Will Collier 6, Joe Gray 6, Santiago Garcia Botta 6
Replacements: Scott Baldwin 7, Marc Thomas 5, Wilco Louw 6, Tevita Cavubati 5, Archie White 6, Scott Steele 7, Andre Esterhuizen 7, Chris Ashton 7
JOIN THE RUCK:
Every Gallagher Premiership club’s most famous fan
From Mary Berry to Sir Alex Ferguson, we run through the stars in the stands for every top-flight team
Bath RFC: Mary Berry
Best known for her cakes – that definitely do not have a soggy bottom – she is beloved across the nation. The 84-year-old, who is best known for previously judging on The Great British Bake Off and her 75 cookbooks, was born in Bath has been involved with the club on a number of occasions.
Bristol Bears: Simon Pegg
The famous actor, best known for Star Trek, Sean of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, revealed in his autobiography that attended Bristol matches when attending university in the city. He revealed in an interview in 2017 that he still follows the team and he hopes to get to a game in the near future
Exeter Chiefs: Liam Tancock
Affectionately known as ‘The Tank’, Liam Tancock is a Devon born athlete to make his mark on the sporting world. Born in Exeter, Liam played for the Exeter Chiefs until he was 13 when his coach persuaded him to pursue a career in swimming over rugby. Keeping his roots close to his heart, he is a keen supporter of Exeter City Football Club and Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club.
