Reffell’s dominant display helps Leicester overpower Harlequins

Let’s call this the counterbalance to all that attacking abandon lighting up the Premiership. A reminder that grit and graft can be every bit as effective and that perhaps there can be too much of a good thing. In that sense, this was a masterclass by Leicester, founded on the overbearing defence that delivered them the Premiership title last season with Tommy Reffell the star turn.

He was outstanding at openside flanker, scoring two tries and disrupting Harlequins at the breakdown to the extent that the home side just could not find any rhythm. Julián Montoya maintained his impressive try-scoring record and Anthony Watson added his first for the Tigers to round off a good day’s work for the Tigers.

Do not be fooled by two late scores for Harlequins – as much as Cadan Murley’s second of the afternoon and Danny Care’s last-gasp effort sent the home fans home with something to remember, the game was up by then. Leicester had done a number on Harlequins, playing the game at their own measured pace and steadily building to victory.

Eddie Jones was in attendance and, if he appeared to be battling heavy eyelids when appearing on the big screen midway through the second half, he would no doubt have approved of Leicester’s performance. Try-fests are all well and good but if defence becomes optional in the Premiership it will not augur well for the national side.

What’s more, it is a significant victory for Leicester, who had lost their previous two matches in disappointing fashion against Saracens and Sale and who will not play again in the Premiership until 11 November if the fixture with Wasps on Sunday is called off. “We don’t know what the next few weeks will hold for us,” the Leicester head coach, Steve Borthwick, said.

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