Alex Dombrandt’s late heroics earn Harlequins thrilling win over Castres

Harlequins simply do not know when they are beaten and Alex Dombrandt’s hat-trick try, in the 85th minute, sealed another dramatic comeback for the scrapbook. Castres had battled their way into a four-point lead in the final minute of normal time and had one hand on a place in the last 16 but the Quins captain came up with a close-range try to break the French side’s hearts.

In doing so Dombrandt laid down a considerable marker for the England No 8 jersey. The make-up of Eddie Jones’s squad appears to have created an opening at No 8 and, though he has his rivals, few would begrudge Dombrandt a Six Nations start against Scotland. Certainly, he signs off his club duties in considerable style, tipping this chaotic if highly entertaining clash in Harlequins’ favour.

After Toulouse’s match was cancelled earlier in the day – much to the fury of the defending champions – this fixture took on added significance. Suddenly Castres’ chances of reaching the knockout stages had been boosted and a bonus-point victory, or a win by eight points or more, would push Toulouse closer towards the brink of elimination. Harlequins, however, knew a bonus-point win by the same margin would be enough to top the pool.

Harlequins were already assured of a place in the last 16, hence the decision to leave Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant on the bench and Danny Care out of the squad altogether. But in Joe Marler, Dombrandt, Andre Esterhuizen and Louis Lynagh there was still plenty of star power in the home side’s ranks.

Castres had not won an away match in this tournament since December 2012 but within the first five minutes they had built an 8-0 lead. Ben Botica, up against his former club, kicked a straightforward penalty before the captain and