QUINS-WATCH (3)
ENGLAND v ARGENTINA
Of the Quins contingent yesterday, Mike Brown failed to match his outstanding display against Australia. However, he was solid in all he did and – to my mind – has cemented his position as the Numero Uno full back.
Joe Marler (loosehead prop) was inconspicuous and substituted at half time. Whether he was injured, or this was part of a pre-ordained plan to give Alex Corbiserio forty minutes’ game time to prove himself ready to face the All Blacks, was unclear.
Danny Care came on for the last twenty minutes and seemed to be playing to order. His best act was a pair of slick, off the ruck, passes – the second of which released Ben Morgan to bludgeon his way through for the final try.
Chris Robshaw was, well, Chris Robshaw. Another heavy shift at the coal-face, but (for me) not enough tub-thumping rallying leadership and/or vision during England’s rather pedestrian second-half display.
EXETER CHIEFS v HARLEQUINS (LV= CUP MATCH)
Quins duly got caned 19-5 down at Sandy Park. By all accounts, including the fans’ website reactions of those who were present, they played inconsistently and, for significant periods, were bossed all over the field of play. Paul Sackey went over for an early try, their only points.
Hardly an auspicious day at the office.