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Harlequins director of rugby Tabai Matson was impressed by Tommy Allan’s debut performance as the fly-half filled Marcus Smith’s boots in style during a 26-20 victory over Newcastle Falcons.
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With superstar number 10 Smith currently sidelined due to the mandatory rest period for British and Irish Lions players, summer signing Allan was thrust into the starting line-up as the reigning Gallagher Premiership champions kicked off their title defence at Kingston Park.
And the 61-cap Italy international did not let his new side down, scything through the Falcons defence to assist two of Quins’ four tries, while also kicking impressively from the tee and out of hand in a man-of-the-match display.
“Tommy Allan slotted into the system really well,” said Matson. “It’s not easy stepping in especially with big boots to fill unless you’re smart, skilful and experienced.
“That’s what he brings to the table. He is an international quality player who is very balanced, and he’s done very well.”
Allan set up tries for Joe Marchant and Louis Lynagh either side of half-time, while Lynagh also crossed early on following a looping Danny Care pass before the scrum-half scored a trademark sniping try to seal the bonus point.
“I’m more pleased for the team than I am for myself for winning this game,” added Matson. “It’s a good start to the campaign and it’s never easy coming up here.
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“It’s only the second time since 2012 that we have won here. It’s a massive step forward this result when you look at the results across the league this weekend.
“We got our bonus point though which helps and it was two great tries from Louis. He’s in a stable with some very good outside backs.”
Falcons played their part in an enthralling game, with winger Adam Radwan absolutely electric in possession. He scored one try himself and set up fellow academy graduate Iwan Stephens for another, while Louis Schreuder finished off a breakaway interception and they saw a couple of tries ruled out.
MATCH REPORT: Harlequins made a winning start to their Gallagher Premiership title defence as an enthralling game at Kingston Park saw them edge Newcastle Falcons #NEWvHAR https://t.co/OKEYSXFtwc
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 19, 2021
Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards said: “It’s unusual that we have crossed the line four times and not come away with the points, which is for various reasons.
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“I don’t think we got the rub of the green with some of the decisions and that does happen. We gave away penalties and that’s fine but you expect consistency.
“Our mistakes were penalised and in playing games against the champions, it will be tough. We’ve got to be a little bit more compact in certain areas. A couple of their tries are from first or third phases plays so we need to look at being a little bit more clinical.
“It’s testament to the academy that we have young boys like Adam (Radwan), Ben (Stevenson) and Iwan (Stephens) coming through our processes.
“We still want to win games but it’s about developing players and winning games. Ultimately, the boys are disappointed today.”
'I’ve always been questioned about my size and physicality and to be honest it’s starting to pee me off'
via @JLyall93 ??? in the @TheXV https://t.co/vQ15qvZFNc
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 19, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
Bar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
9 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
35 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
2 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
35 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
49 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
35 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
35 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
35 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
35 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
35 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
18 Go to comments