Andre Esterhuizen leaves it late to help Harlequins sink leaders Leicester

Andre Esterhuizen’s late try ensured Harlequins signed off their final match of the season at the Stoop in style – and boosted their chances of returning here in the playoffs. Esterhuizen struck down the right five minutes from time to settle an entertaining if error-strewn victory over the league leaders Leicester Tigers. Marcus Smith added a cathartic late penalty for good measure and Harlequins are now level on points with second-placed Saracens and in the mix for a home semi-final.

The Tigers will not be overly disappointed with the outcome given Steve Borthwick again opted to rotate his starting lineup and it is still hard to see how Leicester will not finish top of the pile at the end of the season. They could have made sure of a home playoff here but they have European ambitions to juggle as well and they may well get the chance to avenge this defeat over the road at Twickenham at the season finale given how these two sides are performing in the Premiership run-in.

Leicester began with the wind at their backs but just as they did against Montpellier last week, Harlequins struck early with the opening try. A concerted period of possession, with Smith opting to kick for the corner, yielded its reward with Alex Dombrandt running a trademark line and offloading to the tighthead prop Will Collier to score next to the posts.

The Tigers wasted little time in responding however, Nemani Nadolo crashing through a limp tackle from Louis Lynagh and dotting down. It came against the run of play and Harlequins soon reasserted themselves, adding try No2 despite appearing to waste a glorious overlap on the left. After a few more phases Smith was over but the referee Wayne Barnes ruled it out for obstruction on his opposition