Cameron Woki sends Danny Care back to Twickenham with huge fend

Harlequins have returned to Twickenham as victors following a thrilling 28-31 win over Champions Cup rivals Racing 92 on Sunday evening.

The match started in a fast and ferocious fashion, with both sides seemingly intent on throwing the ball around and keeping the play alive. Racing struck first thanks to the classy combination of World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi and France international Cameron Woki, who created the space for scrum-half, Nolann Le Garrec to touch down for the first of his three tries.

It was the humungous fend from Cameron Woki in the lead-up to the try that had the crowd on their feet in first place, however, as Danny Care tasted the Parisian turf.

An absolute stunner 😮‍💨@racing92 pick up the first try of the game in style!#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/4bPZ0uJJHU

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) December 10, 2023

Quins are not a side to be kept down, and they proved that by immediately returning fire through Marcus Smith and Andre Esterhuizen. Smith’s finish was as trademark as it comes for the talented fly-half, using his superior stepping ability to wrong-foot the defence and break apart a line going the opposite direction.

The big show n’ go 👀

Marcus Smith does what he does best for the @Harlequins!#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/FLGBOacj9r

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) December 10, 2023

Esterhuizen’s was also typical of the big man, breaking apart the would-be tackler, before hurtling towards the try line.

Andre Esterhuizen coming through 😤

Two quick tries from the @Harlequins as they take the lead!#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/FHNWZbxmXt

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) December 10, 2023

Looking to extend the lead towards the end of the half, Smith took advantage of the just-talked-about goal line dropout law by spotting the perfect 40-metre drop goal opportunity.

What has Marcus Smith just done 😮‍💨

Monster drop goal 🔥

🎥 @rugbyontnt #COYQ #RACvHAR #InvestecChampionsCup
pic.twitter.com/WVZkdXrtZT

— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) December 10, 2023

Harlequins’ domination was short-lived, as Le Garret picked up both his second and third tries shortly either side of half time, before tenacious flanker Ibrahim Diallo added to the scoresheet himself.

In true end-to-end fashion, the match continued to thrive as Quins failed to give up the ghost, forcing their way back into the game. Two tries from Alex Dombrandt and Jack Walker set the final ten minutes up for a tense finish.

Despite a yellow card in the 79th minute, Quin’s were able to hold on and secure their 3-point victory over the Paris-based side.

A DRAMATIC FINISH 😳@Harlequins go down to 14 men but hold on to get the win away from home!#InvestecChampionsCUP pic.twitter.com/1tBbs6ty9r

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) December 10, 2023