Harlequins vs. Sale Sharks player ratings and report - Ruck

Harlequins vs. Sale Sharks player ratings and report

Marcus Smith kicked 11 points as Harlequins spoiled Manu Tulagi’s welcome party in a hard-fought 16-10 home win over Sale Sharks.

Sale arrived in London with much fanfare as Premiership Rugby made its long awaited return after five months away, but it was Quins who quietly strode into a 9-0 half time lead thanks to the boot of Smith.

Though Sale scored a try through Byron McGuigan just after the break, Quins never surrendered their lead as Scott Baldwin’s converted try kept the visitors at bay.

A well-fought first quarter saw the home side take the initiative and plenty of field position saw them work a solid advantage.

Two penalty goals from Smith saw them go 6-0 up after 20 minutes.

Though Sale stemmed the tide somewhat thereafter, it was the home side who pressed ahead and Smith’s third penalty on 32 minutes saw them hold a 9-0 lead going into half time.

Sale were invigorated after the restart and McGuigan got on the end of a well-worked left-to-right move and crash over in the corner.

Rob Du Preez converted, but that was as near as they got as Baldwin hit back with a try of his own on the hour mark.

Smith converted and that proved to be enough to see them home.

Man of the Match:

Marcus Smith’s composure with the boot proved to be the difference in a game which was ultimately low on quality. There will be better games, but Smith can be pleased with his evening’s work.

Harlequins 15

Mike Brown 6
14 Chris Ashton 6
13 Joe Marchant 6
12 James Lang 7
11 Nathan Earle 7
10 Marcus Smith 9
9 Martin Landajo 7
1 Joe Marler 7
2 Scott Baldwin 8
3 Simon Kerrod 7
4 Stephan Lewies 6 ‘
5 Matthew Symons 7
6 James Chisholm 6
7 C Robshaw 8
8 Alex Dombrandt 6

Sale Sharks
15 Simon Hammersley 5
14 Bryon McGuigan 7
13 Manu Tuilagi 6
12 Samuel Hill 6
11 Marland Yarde 6
10 Robert Du Preez 7
9 Francois de Klerk 6
1 Coenie Oosthuizen 5
2 Akker van der Merwe 6
3 Willgriff John 5
4 Jean-Luc du Preez 6
5 Lood De Jager 5
6 Jonathan Ross 5
7 Tom Curry 7
8 Daniel Du Preez 7
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