It is impossible to know if Marcus Smith would have tilted this match in Harlequins’ favour but the fact he was not allowed to play while Saracens’ England contingent all contributed to their narrow victory – ultimately settled by Elliot Daly’s long-range penalty – left a cloud hanging over an otherwise entertaining London derby and provided a reminder that club rugby in England rarely helps itself.
The Harlequins coach, Tabai Matson, did his best to bite his lip afterwards but there is something awry when Smith is limited to shuttle runs before kick-off while Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola, and to a lesser extent Maro Itoje, Jamie George and Mako Vunipola, are allowed to influence matters in this manner. To recap, England players from the Australia tour are still supposed to be resting but, while Saracens were given dispensation to field theirs ahead of schedule, Harlequins were blocked from playing Smith. In his absence Tommy Allan performed admirably but one cannot but wonder whether Smith, who has a habit of pulling rabbits out of the hat late on and turning defeats into victories, would have been able to sprinkle enough stardust to turn the match Harlequins’ way.
