(Big Game 16): Harlequins 34 Leicester Tigers 34
It was business as usual for the Big Game before 82,000 at a sold-out Twickenham Alliance. Marcus Smith was back to his jinking running game and Caden Murley’s pace and power created 2 tries.
However, with Quins leading by 7 points, in the dying embers Dan Cole went over for Leicester and Handré Pollard inevitably converted to leave the two sides level.
Both teams had recovered from debacles last week, Quins thrashed by Gloucester in an error-strewn performance and Leicester mauled by Bristol Bears. Neither side can now have aspirations of making the top four but the big crowd and TV audience watched an enthralling game.
Harlequins’ commercial department have not sat on their hand with rugby in crisis. They have signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with Singapore Airlines and – with tickets at £36 for Quins’ annual Big Game – must have made a healthy profit.
The relocation of big games to a grander stadium is an example that other clubs might follow: Newcastle Falcons v Sale at St James Park or Northampton v Leicester at Villa Park?
Whilst I was disappointed that Quins Chandler Cunningham South, Will Evans and Tyrone Greene did not start, one must now think in terms of impact subs and the first two did come on and their power and thrust made a difference. Leicester had selected ex-Quin Mike Brown on the wing but – at 39 – age did tell.