Fireworks banged as the Saints and Quins ran out to a packed stadium at the Home of rugby, Twickenham for the away fixture. Although being away, Saints took the victory with the score of 25 - 30.
Saints lost the first scrum which soon quickly escalated into a Quins try. George Lowe tumbles over the line. However, the young fly-half, at just the age of 20, could not convert. Quins took an early lead, 5 - 0. The referee Wayne Barnes spotted blocking by Quins and consequently gave Saints a penalty - Myler's decision to kick at goal gave them their first points onto the board. The score became 5 - 3.
Mike Brown suddenly makes a breakthrough by dodging Mylers and Fodens miss tackles. Saints' defence was weak and tackles were not on point, they needed to change this otherwise danger would come soon. Newly back from injury, George Pisi, was looking impressive, from both attacking and defencive points of view.
Within 19 minutes gone on the clock, Saints pushed and hived to create a rolling maul. Manoa grabs the ball and stumbles over the line through a little gap created by the Harlequins defence. Myler converted as the England coach, Stuart Lancaster, looked on.
North being penalised twice now for not rolling away, he was giving too many opportunities for Quins. Despite this, it was a very equal game, Saints showing a small edge with their attack, their defence needing to be stronger to secure the win.
Half way through the first half, Quins have a lineout just over 10 metres out of their try line. They complete it successfully and create a rolling maul, this is dangerous for Saints. Luckily, the referee spots an infringement, Saints have the penalty and must utilise the situation.
A fumble of the ball lets Quins player, Marland Yarde, to catch the ball and run fast. With Saints trying to defend, a yellow card was given to Saints number 3, Ma'afu for a high tackle with no attempt to wrap - given him 10 minutes in the sin bin. Saints have recently let their discipline slip and to move forward they need to tighten up in certain areas.
With just 2 minutes left on the clock, the away sides defence was finally looking stronger, this forced Quins into an error, giving Saints the opportunity to kick over for a penalty. Stephen Myler simply kicked the penalty over to gain an extra 3 points.
The half time score was 8 - 13 to Saints.
Quins kick off the second half, it was not the most perfect start to the half considering Saints gave away a penalty, just 30 seconds in. Luckily, Swiel misses, the game continues. Saints responded to their debatable start, North storms over the line for a try, initially Samu Manoa charges down a box kick and with barely any defence, he offloads to North who had no trouble going over the line. Myler converts, showing what potential he has - definitely displaying why he should be picked for the England squad. Ma'afu comes back on after his yellow card.
With Quins having the ball, they can not make sufficient territory, Ken Pisi intercepts and sprints for line: Mike Brown tackles him by grabbing just his foot, simply enough to force Pisi into a knock on. Thereupon, a scrum to Quins. Stephenson comes on for Saints whilst George Pisi leaves the field after an incredible game played by him.
With not rolling away in a tackle, it gives the chance for Swiel to kick over the post for a penalty. He completes, bringing the score to 11 - 20, still in Saints' favour. One minute later, Myler has his own befalling at the goal. He also adds 3 points to the board. In the 55th minute, fan favourite, Alex Corbisero comes on after a long spell out from injury. He takes the place of Alex Waller. KahnFortuali'i also comes on for Lee Dickson at scrum half.
Mikey Haywood runs towards the line, unfortunately he spills the ball and a Quin picked it up. This is the start of a try for Quins, Jack Clifford was the man who went over. The Saints defencive wall was incredible at the point, with Clifford only finding a small gap to wiggle through. (18 - 23)
Saints make more replacements in which Ma'afu and Clark come off the field, Dowson and Denman come on. Having fresh legs on the pitch, helped Saints push a rolling maul and subsequently making an advantage for them. Saints keep getting advantages until they were right up towards the line, where the ball was held up! Corbisero came crashing over the line but a knock on was seen by the TMO. Quins had the ball but were in danger of the Saints defence.
Kahn Fortuali'i gathers the ball and scores a try! However, on landing over the line, he hurts his shoulder, forcing the replacement off the field. This puts Wilson onto the pitch and Foden at scrum half, Myler converts and the Saints extend their lead to 18 - 30.
As the rain hits Twickenham, the game starts to come to an end. Yarde dashes towards the line for a last minute try but powerhouse George North stops him in his tracks. However, not even this could stop Quins, Sam Towmey spots a gap and goes through it. The final score was 25 - 30, meaning Quins will get the losing bonus point.
This was by far not the best rugby Saints have played but it was not the worst either. Saints are back at home next week against lower team Newcastle, fans are hoping for the bonus point try early on and domination throughout.
My Man of the Match: George Pisi (Although coming off early, his attacking and defending throughout his time on the pitch was incredible.)
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