In a festive Big Game fixture that lived up to its billing, Harlequins and Leicester Tigers battled to a dramatic 34-34 draw at Twickenham Stadium. The rivals traded blows throughout a pulsating encounter that saw the lead change hands multiple times, with Leicester veteran Dan Cole crashing over at the death to level the scores.
Springbok fly-half Handré Pollard then showed nerves of steel to slot the crucial conversion and ensure the spoils were shared. Remarkably, it marks the third time a Big Game clash between these sides at Twickenham has ended level, after similar 26-26 and 27-27 stalemates in 2008 and 2019.
Harlequins Start Slowly But Strike Clinically
The match began with Leicester firmly on the front foot, pinning Quins deep in their own territory through Pollard’s astute kicking game. The hosts struggled for fluency early on, with wayward lineouts, handling errors and a misfiring Danny Care not helping their cause.
But in typical Harlequins fashion, they still managed to strike with lethal precision when opportunities arose. England maverick Marcus Smith danced through the heart of the Tigers defense to send Jack Walker over for the game’s opening try, after Pollard had kicked Leicester into a 3-0 lead.
Leicester Hit Back Through Hassell-Collins and Kata
The Tigers response was swift and clinical. Patiently building through the phases, they released winger Ollie Hassell-Collins to dot down under the posts. Soon after, center Solomone Kata finished powerfully in the corner after a searing counter-attack sparked by fullback Freddie Steward.
But back came Quins, with Cadan Murley showing serious wheels to scorch past Steward and finish a sensational coast-to-coast try. Kata then saw yellow for a high shot on Oscar Beard, allowing the hosts to edge ahead 20-18 at the break via a Luke Northmore close-range barge over and Smith penalty.
Steward and Murley Trade Scores in Second Half Slugfest
Smith and Pollard traded further penalties after the interval before Steward won the race to his own grubber to restore Leicester’s advantage. The see-saw nature of the contest continued as Smith levelled from the tee once more, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
Replacement forward Chandler Cunningham-South made an instant impact off the Quins bench, punching a hole in the Tigers defense to send the electric Murley skating away for his second and Harlequins’ fourth. At 34-28, the Londoners looked set to close out a memorable victory.
Cole Crashes Over and Pollard Provides Late Twist
But Leicester, as they have so often, refused to lie down. With the clock in the red, tighthead prop Dan Cole – in his 18th season with the club – muscled his way over from a few meters out to give Pollard a chance to tie things up from the touchline.
I knew it was an important kick. There was a lot of pressure on it but that’s what you train for as a kicker. Luckily I got a kind bounce off the post!
Handré Pollard on his last-gasp conversion
And the vastly experienced South African made no mistake, drilling his effort against the right-hand upright and through to send the large contingent of travelling Tigers fans into raptures. It was no less than Steve Borthwick’s men deserved for their dogged display.
For Harlequins, it will feel like two points dropped in their quest for a playoff spot. But after losing Nick David and Will Evans to injury during the game, they will take heart from the resilience and attacking verve they showed in adversity. Bigger tests await both these proud clubs, but they served up a Christmas cracker to savor here.
