Harlequins vs Bristol LIVE rugby: Result and reaction after visitors run riot to spoil Joe Marler’s farewell
After a busy autumn of international action, the Premiership returns with what should be an enteertaining clash
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bristol Bears moved to the top of the Premiership as the visitors produced a statement performance against Harlequins to spoil Joe Marler’s farewell.
The high-flying Bears ran riot at the Twickenham stoop, showcasing all the flicks and tricks that make Pat Lam’s side the league’s great entertainers. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Gabriel Ibitoye and Viliame Mata - making a long-awaited debut after an injury-hit time since a summer switch from Edinburgh - were all to the fore in a 48-24 win.
It took the shine off a night where the hosts said adieu to one of their finest servants. Having announced his international retirement during November, prop Marler had brought forward his club curtain call. He departed just before the 50-minute mark to a standing ovation - one of precious few on a difficult night for the London club in the absence of Marcus Smith.
Re-live all of the action from the Stoop in our live blog below:
Bristol run riot against Harlequins to spoil Joe Marler’s retirement party
Harlequins said goodbye to Joe Marler and their reputation as one of the Gallagher Premiership’s meanest defences this season as irresistible Bristol stormed The Stoop 48-24.
Marler’s final match before retirement was a prop’s worst nightmare as 10 tries lit-up a breathless encounter that saw the Bears issue emphatic confirmation of their status as title contenders.
The 34-year-old made his 286th and last appearance for Harlequins just four weeks after announcing his England career was over and he left the field to a standing ovation in the 48th minute.
When one of the game’s biggest characters disappeared down the tunnel Quins were still in contention, but Bristol quickly galloped out of sight in a dominant third quarter decorated by three outstanding tries.
Bristol run riot against Harlequins to spoil Joe Marler’s retirement party
Harlequins 24-48 Bristol: The visitors were in impressive attacking form at the Twickenham Stoop as Quins prop Marler made his final professional appearance
Joe Marler speaks to TNT Sports after his retirement
“I’m blown away by the fans here. I’ve got so many fond memories, and it’s thanks to them and the boys I’ve played with. But god I’m ready. I was out there thinking, ‘I can’t do this’. That first ten minutes, I was thinking, ‘this is dark’.
“It’s been wonderful. The game has been so good to me considering I’ve been so bad to it. I’ve loved every minute of it. I guess it’s over now.”
“There’s loads of reasons. I couldn’t do it more emotionally, physically, mentally. After the England announcement, this was inevitable. I’d rather go out now than flog a dead horse for six months. I actually went out last week but they said, ‘can you come back for one more game because Fin [Baxter] needs a rest. The time is right when you know.
“There might be a game later on in the season that I might come back for. What am I doing next week? I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about that. I’m just going to take some time to sit and chill.
“The fans have been so good. I used to be really uncomfortable with the fans. I didn’t get it. I was really rude to them a lot. I felt uncomfortable when people wanted a picture or were shouting my name. But then Covid happened, and the fans were gone, and it was soulless. It made me realise a big reason why I played was for the fans. The atmosphere and energy they bring – without them, the game is nothing. I’ve enjoyed my time.”
Newcastle stun Saracens
Up at Kingston Park, Newcastle have pulled off a stunning win over Saracens. Fair play to Steve Diamond, who is doing some job in the North East.
FT: Harlequins 24-48 Bristol
Mightily, mightily impressive from the visitors as Harlequins wqere comprehensively put to the sword. The two squads give Joe Marler a special tunneled farewell on a disappointing night for the retiring prop and his teammates.
Harlequins 24-48 Bristol, 79 minutes
A forward pass from an offloading Alex Dombrandt goes unspotted by the officials, but a knock on from Nick David does not. That should be that, unless Bristol fancy one more gallop.
Harlequins 24-48 Bristol, 77 minutes
The hosts begin to threaten inside the Bristol 22 but the Bears read a rather lax pass, picking it off. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (who appears to have gone to fly half) belts the ball 60 metres upfield and leads the chase to make an outstanding spot tackle on Rodrigo Isgro. He’s some player.
Harlequins 24-48 Bristol, 75 minutes
Up at Kingston Park, a seismic shock is very much on - Newcastle still lead Saracens by 12 points with time running short. Wow.
In our somewhat less interesting encounter, young playmaker Jamie Benson is on for Harlequins at inside centre.
PENALTY! Harlequins 24-48 BRISTOL (AJ MacGinty, 74 minutes)
Straight and true. That’s AJ MacGinty’s last act, replaced by youngster Oscar Lennon.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments