Smith and Pollard Share the Plaudits in a Rampant “Big Game 16”
Red shirts, Gold numbers, and a brilliant advert for the English game.
On one of the most fabled days of the rugby calendar, Harlequins and Leicester Tigers played out a valiant 34-34 thriller at HQ.
In a one-off affair every year, Harlequins’ iconic four quarters are exchanged for a bold injection of colour, as both their women’s and men’s sides compete in back-to-back fixtures at the Allianz Stadium in the annual “Big Game”.
A tradition that began in 2008, the Big Game’s 16th instalment featured a clash against Leicester Tigers, a fellow mid-table side desperate to upset the West Londoners.
The influence of Big Game on women’s rugby has been substantial, spurring a regular influx in season ticket purchases around the time where Quins exchange the Stoop for HQ.
This year’s event featured a live performance from the legendary Rudimental, in front of 80,000 fans who just moments before witnessed Harlequins Women showing out against a tame Tigers outfit, winning 42-17.
Earlier in the day, the “Big Game” theme echoed around the Gallagher Premiership, with both Fin and Finn owning the limelight in their early-afternoon outings.
Finn Russell’s Bath ran riot against fellow title challengers Saracens 68-10, whilst Fin Smith and the reigning champions Northampton Saints posted an unanswered 61 on a forever uninspired Newcastle Falcons.
Time for the main event – no pressure, Marcus.
Kick off.
5′. You just knew it wouldn’t take long…
Despite Handre Pollard’s early three points putting Tigers in front, a piece of pure genius from talisman Marcus Smith lead to the first try of the game.
Smith’s captivating, individual brilliance saw him beat three Leicester defenders, including former teammate Mike Brown, before setting up hooker Jack Walker for a walk in.
This platform took all the pressure off the hosts, who not only continued to attack with intent, but showed strong defensive discipline against a dangerous opposition.
Pollard had to think on his feet to find a reply, sending two looping pass wide right in the same attacking sequence, aiming to threaten Cadan Murley’s wing.
The game plan worked, drawing in far too many Quins defenders, before the World Cup winning 10 assisted England winger Ollie Hassell-Collins under the sticks.
Moments later, Tigers increased their lead through Tongan international Solomone Kata, instrumented beautifully by HQ regular Freddie Steward.
Pollard again added the extras… 7-17.
Quins with a mountain to climb.
Good job their hiking boots were on.
Just as it seemed the visitors were about to go over for their third try of the half, Quins skipper Alex Dombrandt got his huge levers on the ball at line out time, before offloading to the in-form Jack Kenningham.
Kenningham ran it an incredible 50 metres before throwing a perfectly timed seed to fan favourite Murley, who jogged home to a ferocious Twickenham roar.
You could taste the atmosphere inside the big house… anyone who’s anyone knew that this tie was about to turn into a showstopper.
Harlequins continued to mount pressure, chipping away at Leicester’s defence, before try scorer Kata lapsed in concentration and was yellow carded for a high tackle on Oscar Beard.
The hosts capitalised on the man advantage, with Luke Northmore piercing the line from five metres out, before Smith’s third conversion put his side up by one point heading into the break.
21-20 – all to play for.
Man of the hour Marcus Smith got us back underway, and it didn’t take long for him to draw more influence on the game.
Moments into the second period, Smith and Murley combined for a sixty metre charge, but were denied of a try by a cynical Mike Brown tackle, which could’ve easily been Leicester’s second sin bin of the afternoon.
Smith’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking for the hosts, a pivotal factor in such chilling conditions, as Tigers were restored to a full 15.
This spurred the visitors back into life, as a well worked forward’s drive spearheaded by George Martin lead to his fellow Englishman Freddie Steward touching down in the corner.
27-27 with 20 left on the clock.
Twickenham took to their feet as Quins began to bring on the big guns – club player of the year Will Evans and his back row accomplice Chandler Cunningham-South were introduced.
In his first involvement, Cunningham-South broke two tackles before shipping the ball wide where it ended up in the hands of Murley, who flew in for his second and Quins’ fourth try of the match.
Another pinpoint kick from Smith gave the hosts a full score advantage.
You’d think it’s all over.
Then, as if the tides couldn’t turn any more, Veteran substitute Dan Cole dotted over with one minute left to play.
Chaos, Leicester as if from nothing, were within touching distance of snatching a draw… it all came down to Pollard’s boot.
Post and in. You can’t write this stuff.
By the skin of their teeth, Leicester clawed back and drew their first Big Game 34-34.
A rampant display from both sides, controlled beautifully by a pair of X-Factor outside halves.
If there was ever an advert for Premiership Rugby, or to showcase the sport to a friend or family member, this would be it.
Big Game is here to stay.
