Advertisement
For Harlequins’ fans, Sundays Gallagher Premiership match against Exeter Chiefs at The Stoop was about one thing – seeing Danny Care play one last time before retirement.
Murley (2'), Porter (19'), Smith (59')
Tries
Tuima (21'), Wyatt (28'), Townsend (42')
Smith (3', 20', 60')
Conversions
Slade (22', 43')
Smith (70')
Penalties
Slade (63')
For Harlequins’ fans, Sundays Gallagher Premiership match against Exeter Chiefs at The Stoop was about one thing – seeing Danny Care play one last time before retirement.
However, there was also the chance to assess how Stu Townsend will fare as Care’s successor, when he leaves Exeter Chiefs and heads to the Big Smoke next season.
While Exeter may have lost, Townsend’s performance will have left Quins fans optimistic that scrumhalf won’t be a problem position next season.
ATTACKING EVOLUTION
He may not be Care’s level, but he is a consistent Premiership performer.
New attack coach Dave Walder has livened up Exeter’s attack, but they haven’t moved drastically away from their modus operandi.
So, it was hardly surprising that Townsend led the way with 12 kicks, mainly precise box kicks for towering wings Paul Brown-Bampoe and Tommy Wyatt to run onto.
Better yet, he showed Care-like instincts to pop up on Wyatt’s shoulder to score Exeter’s second try early in the second half, either side of two important tackles while sweeping up behind the defensive line.
SUMMER TOUR HOPES
Townsend, 29, will be in competition with Will Porter, 26, and Lucas Friday, who will be 19 when the season starts. They will provide head coach Danny Wilson with a spread of quality and experience.
Closer to home, Quins fans will be hoping Cadan Murley can continue his rehabilitation after being diched following the opening round of this year’s Six Nations.
After a hattrick last week, he soon added another try. He was a nuisance throughout and made 13 carries and two linebreaks, the last coming late on and nearly setting up Tom Lawday for a try.
More importantly, as he chases a place on the England tour to Argentina and the USA, were Murley’s 13 tackles, a sign that he’s worked on his issues and is ready for another chance.
