Quins leave it late to power past Falcons

MARCUS Smith showed his class on Friday night, being an imperious creator and finisher as Harlequins romped to an emphatic five-try victory on Tyneside.

- LUKE JARMYN

It wasn't a vintage performance from Quins by any stretch of the imagination, but they found a way to win and showed the all-court qualities necessary if they want to have a shot at the Premiership title this season.

Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson said: "We knew coming to Newcastle we first and foremost had to be gritty.

"We had some great sets of defence where we kept them out of their 22.

They defended our plays well and we weren't executing early, the ball ended up on the floor and we instead went to the maul and did the job with a forward-pack performance.

"It was slightly difference to how we would usually get the win but look at two of those late tries, they are true Quins tries, playing some rugby then Marcus spots a great crossfield opportunity and we nail it. But we need to be an all-court team, and that's what you saw tonight."