Agony for Harlequins as Smith misses costly late kick against Montpellier

This sun-kissed thriller of a game had just about everything, from breathtaking skill to extraordinary late drama. From Quins’ perspective, though, it will be forever remembered as the one that got away as they fell one agonising point short over two legs against the French Top-14 leaders.

Inspired by the double act of Marcus Smith and Alex Dombrandt Quins had looked set to clinch a famous Easter resurrection when Louis Lynagh’s 75th-minute try put them within a successful conversion of the quarter-finals. Alas for Smith, otherwise outstanding all day, the ball slid just the wrong side of the left-hand post and their 13-point victory on the day ultimately counted for little.

Not even the most passionate Quins fan, though, could complain about the quality of the entertainment. It was frantic, fast-paced and furious but, ultimately, Quins could not quite complete another of their remarkable trademark comebacks. Montpellier’s reward is a last eight all-French duel with either La Rochelle or Bordeaux.

Nor could anyone use the weather as any sort of excuse. Not only was it a cracking day to watch rugby but the clear blue skies and fast ground suited Quins’ attacking intentions perfectly. If you are trying to overcome a 14-point first-half deficit it helps be looking to do so in conditions made for rapid points scoring.

Rapid was certainly the word for Quins’ opening score which materialised after a mere 33 seconds. It all felt rather too easy as Dombrandt sliced through a slightly flat-footed defensive line to put Huw Jones over but no one could accuse Montpellier of doziness after 11 minutes when their promising young fly-half Louis Forsans cleverly put his centre Yvan Reilhac over.

It set the tone for a breathless first