Report: I Cavalieri 16-48 Harlequins

“Job done” was Conor O’Shea’s comment after Harlequins had efficiently and effectively defeated Cavalieri Prato by 16 – 48.  Quins’ Italian job was completed by six converted tries and two penalties with Rory Clegg contributing an immaculate 18 points.

The sun shone down from a cloudless sky against a background of beautiful Tuscan wooded hills, with here and there a picturesque villa nestling in the woods, as Harlequins took the field. One of the largest crowds for a rugby match in these parts greeted them, as did a substantial travelling support with flags waving.

The early exchanges were marked by unforced errors as both sides sought to impose themselves. Then from a free kick for early engagement at a scrum Quins opted for another scrum. A good break by Robshaw with forwards in support produced a penalty when stopped and Clegg’s good kick found touch in the Italian twenty-two. The catch and drive was stopped initially and a ruck camped on the try line allowed Fa’asavalu to cross for the first try. Clegg added the conversion and after eleven minutes Quins led 0 – 7.

Two penalties for Cavalieri were kicked by Wakarua and Clegg kicked one for Quins before a yellow card for an Italian prop reduced the home side to fourteen men.  Quins immediately attacked and this time a try resulted as Danny Care stretched to touch down. Clegg, who was kicking immaculately, added the conversion and another penalty before half-time when Quins led 6 – 20.

Early in the second half Wakarua added a third penalty for Cavalieri and then failed with a long drop goal attempt.  But Quins were still after a bonus point and it was not long before their third try took them closer to the target. An excellent attack, started by Care, was carried on with good handling and Sam Smith finished the move with the try.  Clegg added the extras.

With the bonus point in sight Quins continued to attack. A fine break by Casson took play deep into the Italian twenty-two and when the ball came out of a ruck there was Smith to beat two defenders and score his second try. Clegg added the conversion from the touchline. Bonus point secured.

Almost immediately from the restart Cavalieri set up an attacking scrum close to the Quins’ line and from the scrum their lock, Wouter Moore, crossed for a try which Wakarua converted for 16 – 34. But  Quins were not finished and a try from Tom Casson extended the lead and then from a scrum in front of the Italian posts Karl Dickson broke for the line and scored.  Clegg’s successful conversion was the final kick of the match.

So Quins can look to being the only English club to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Amlin Cup as Connacht’s unexpected win at Bayonne leaves Quins needing only a losing bonus point to qualify and a home fixture is likely.