Bath 12 Harlequins 19

I have watched almost all of the football World Cup games to date but with little enthusiasm.

So the autumn internationals and last night Quins’ victory over Bath Rugby were welcome relief.

Quins were without Marcus Smith, who sustained an ankle injury against South Africa and will not play again ’till the New Year.

It was good to see Alex Dombrandt back.  He reminds me of Dean Richards – he is not a physical 8 like Vinupola or Simmonds, but he is intelligent – attacking the gain line – and a valuable conduit and component between scrum and midfield.

He went over for Quins who generally played well in an attritional game, completing a sequence of four wins.

The end was exciting with Quins reduced to 13 men, two being in the sin bin.

Joe Cokanasiga played well for Bath. I always regarded him as a very poor version of Jonah Lomu but he has restored his reputation this season to become  a highly effective winger.

Nick David at full back, once of Worcester Warriors, and ‘Big’ Joe Launchbury, formerly of Wasps, will only boost the group.

Quins are now third behind to Sale Sharks in the league table with a two week break for the European Cup.