Harlequins 36 Castres 33

The performance of Harlequins is getting so predictable that it’s almost becoming dull.

I say ‘almost’ as dull and Harlequins are a contradiction in terms, an oxymoron.

Castres took the inevitable lead but Quins fought back. Referee Mike Adamson was definitely whistle-happy and broke up the flow.

With Marcus Smith on the bench and Allan deputising, Quins lacked that quality of instinctive devilment that Smith provides.

It was left to Alex Dombrandt to score 3 tries – the last in the 86th minute for the typical last gasp Quins flourish to win.

The form of Dombrandt gives Eddie Jones a bit of selection headache.

Tom Curry holds the position of England number 8, flanked by Sam Underhill (injured) and skipper Courtney Lawes.

Dombrandt is not the only one knocking on the door as there are also Sam Simmons and now Alfie Barbeary.

It’s never easy to second-guess Jones but all three contenders might finish on the bench.

Dombrandt is the most likely to win a game but I remain concerned by his defensive frailties.  He looked uncertain recently against the bruising Exeter pack.

One player who perhaps does not get enough praise is Joe Marchant.

He can play across the three quarter line.

With Farrell injured, Tuilagi and Henry Slade will take the centre berths but Marchant can play on the flanks. He has pace and power.

So Quins are definitely in the last 16 of the European Cup.

The tournament has been ravaged by postponements but we are down to the business end now. It’s never been a tournament in which Quins have prospered but in this strange year they may well do so.