Green helps Harlequins sting Wasps in comeback win
PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Defending champions Harlequins produced yet another dramatic recovery as they came from 16 points behind at half-time to win 26-16 at Wasps in the English Premiership on Sunday.
Gabriel Oghre’s try and three penalties from Jacob Umaga, the nephew of All Blacks great Tana Umaga, gave the Coventry-based hosts a comfortable lead at the interval.
But Harlequins, who were 28-0 behind before beating Bristol in last season’s Premiership semifinal, scored four unanswered tries in the second half.
Luke Northmore crossed twice for the champions, with Tyrone Green and Scott Steele also scoring tries and Andre Esterhuizen landing three conversions.
Third-placed Harlequins drew level with London rivals Saracens on 27 points and sit 10 points behind leaders Leicester, with a game in hand. Wasps are 10th.
Umaga opened the scoring for Wasps with a penalty before making a 60-yard break and passing to Josh Bassett, who set up Oghre for the opening try in the 10th minute.
Two more successful Umaga penalties before the break left Midlands club Wasps well placed at 16-0 come half-time.
Quins’ second-half response, however, was swift as Green scored in the 41st minute following a pass by former England scrumhalf Danny Care.
Northmore grabbed the visitors’ second try in the 61st minute, which Esterhuizen converted to reduce Wasps’ lead to 16-12.
And the London club were in front when scrumhalf Steele dived over for a try from a ruck.
Northmore then rounded off victory in style, with the centre’s last-minute try giving Quins a bonus point.
The scorers:
For Wasps:
Try: Oghre
Con: Umaga
Pens: Umaga 3
For Harlequins:
Tries: Northmore 2, Green, Steele
Cons: Esterhuizen 3
Here’s how it stands after Round 8 📊
No change at the top as @LeicesterTigers lead the pack, while @Saracens, @Harlequins and @ExeterChiefs make up the other semi-final places 💪
Best player of the round? 🏉#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/QaauQVSa06
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) November 7, 2021