Understrength Harlequins upset Saracens
Harlequins overcame the absence of several England internationals to beat Saracens 23-12 with a dramatic late rally in the English Premiership at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Marcus Smith, Chandler Cunningham-South and Fin Baxter were all rested following the end of the Six Nations last weekend, when England finished runners-up to France, while Cadan Murley and veteran scrumhalf Danny Care missed this London derby match injured.
Quins were 12-0 behind heading into the final quarter but hit back through centre Ben Waghorn's try before three penalties from replacement flyhalf Jamie Benson edged them ahead.
With a minute left, Will Porter put the result beyond doubt as Harlequins secured a win that boosted their hopes of a top-four finish and a place in the title-deciding playoffs.
Derby double ✌️#COYQ | #SARvHAR pic.twitter.com/FNOrcHrtf1
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) March 22, 2025
Saracens had several England stars in their side, with the only notable absentee Ben Earl, ruled out by an infected knee wound.
It took Saracens just five minutes to open the scoring when a quickly taken free-kick from England hooker Jamie George paved the way for a strong run from Theo McFarland, who dived over for a try.
Six-time Premiership champions Saracens extended their lead when a superb pass out of the tackle from Alex Goode was held by Fergus Burke, with Tobias Elliot finishing in the corner.
Saracens' Andy Onyeama-Christie came on for his first appearance since October having recovered from ankle surgery.
The Scotland flanker had to slot in at inside centre after Nick Tompkins went off an head-injury assessment.
It was not until the hour that Harlequins had their opening score when Waghorn finished following a break by Oscar Beard.
Benton's three penalties nudged Quins in front before Porter sealed victory.
London's Club 🃏#COYQ | #SARvHAR pic.twitter.com/oFbJlTyHPG
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) March 22, 2025
