Harlequins untested in 10-try rampage

Christmas is a time for giving and Bayonne presented this game to Harlequins by selecting an inexperienced side who realistically stood no chance.

- Luke McLaughlin

Manu Tuilagi and Gareth Anscombe were listed as injured, along with plenty of others, but four frontline players were rested. There was nothing wrong with Bayonne giving Jonah Thompson, a 20-year-old Australian, his professional debut: but the fact he is a flanker, and was pressed into service on the right wing, was arguably pushing it a bit far.

The Champions Cup is supposedly an elite competition but the current format means too many clubs select weakened sides for matches they regard as unwinnable - or rather, when they think others are more winnable. It is shortchanging fans.

Quins scored 10 tries, nine converted by Marcus Smith, the player of the match, but it rarely felt as if they had to change up from second gear.

“We can only play what they put out there,” said the Harlequins senior coach, Jason Gilmore. “It’s a bit like that in the Champions Cup at the moment. Are the travelling teams full strength all the time? Probably not. But you’ve got to make sure you get your five points at home.”