Boot On The Other Foot

Another late show but this time it was the opposition who took the points. Sale did a number on Quins deservedly winning 28-22 - it wasn't pretty but we can expect more of the same as teams set out their stall to stifle our creativity.

It started well with Raffi Quirke and Danny Care scoring for their sides before Tyrone Green crossed (pictured). It was nip and tuck and Sale went in just ahead after Jono Ross scored. 17-14 at the break. 

No worries. Quins are used to cutting loose in the second half and it could not have started any better. The  kick off was badly judged by the Sale forwards and it bounced kindly for Luke Northmore who went in unopposed - just seven seconds after the ref's whistle.

However, it was the home forwards who took control. Messrs Smith and Wilknson traded kicks but it was the enterprising Quirke who won the game for his side with a late try.

The kick was wide which gave Quins the bonus point they deserved. 

Tabai Matson was pragmatic about the defeat telling the media: "We certainly fronted up and, if it wasn't for some of those defensive sets, the score could have been worse. When you go away from home and the penalty count is 21-9, you're always going to battle to get a bonus point.

"We lacked composure because they put us under pressure, and then they did a good job at the set-piece, which kept the penalty count ticking over."