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:
Harlequins 5-14 Bristol, 20 minutes
This opening 20 has flown by but Bristol are really starting to seize control. Their long, lean athletes are causing havoc, Viliame Mata, Santiago Grondona and co managing to free the arms and get offloads away.
Will Evans is pinged at a breakdown just outside Harlequins’ 22. You doubt Bristol will take the points...and they don’t, opting for the corner.
TRY! Harlequins 5-14 BRISTOL (Gabriel Ibitoye, 17 minutes)
Under the posts untouched! A brilliant break from Kieran Marmion and Gabriel Ibitoye finishes it off!
It’s poor fringe defence from Harlequins, caught napping down the short side as Marmion snipes. Ibitoye cannily fades to the inside as Marmion puts him away and there’s no stopping the wing from there as he continues his red hot form against his old club.
Joe Marler gives his former teammate a bit of chat afterwards. Hmm...
Harlequins 5-7 Bristol, 16 minutes
Oghre appears to have hurt himself in that passage, the hooker slow to get back to join his teammates in restart receipt formation. Replacement Harry Thacker is practicing a few throws on the touchline, suggesting Pat Lam is mulling a change, but Oghre will soldier on for now.
TRY! Harlequins 5-7 BRISTOL (Kalaveti Ravouvou, 14 minutes)
A length-of-the-field pearler from the visitors!
Gabriel Oghre is sprung up the right and shows such intelligence to wait for support having been isolated, ducking and weaving to allow his teammates to arrive. That affords Bristol the chance to spread the ball away to the left, where there are numbers. Kalaveti Ravouvou is the last man on the line and shakes off a would-be tackler before accelerating to the line. AJ MacGinty adds the extras to nudge away noses in front.
Harlequins 5-0 Bristol, 13 minutes
Harlequins make initial inroads on the attack but run out of numbers, forcing Tyrone Green to thread a kick through. It’s a good’un, tumbling out about seven metres from the Bristol line.
But Bristol want to play! Thrown quickly and off they go!
Harlequins 5-0 Bristol, 11 minutes
Another bright attacking passage from the visitors sees them work their way down into the Harlequins 22, the ever effective MacGinty pulling the strings nicely. An untimely knock on again scuppers their progress, though.
Joe Marler says farewell to the Twickenham Stoop
Harlequins 5-0 Bristol, 9 minutes
Both sides have come to play. Some lush handling from Bristol allow them to get to the edge where AJ MacGinty and Gabriel Oghre interchange neatly. Oghre transfers to Kieran Marmion, who is unaware of a retreating Harlequin as he is bashed from behind, spilling as he enters the Harlequins 22.
Harlequins 5-0 Bristol, 8 minutes
Harlequins feed a solid scrum and away comes Alex Dombrandt, making five metres through contact with impressive leg drive. Porter’s box kick is contested for but missed by a chasing Cadan Murley, and bounces into touch on the Bristol ten-metre line.
Harlequins 5-0 Bristol, 6 minutes
That was a mess of Bristol’s own making, of course, but they won’t change their approach. Fijian centre Kalaveti Ravouvou scorches up the right touchline but can’t quite combine with inside support as Will Porter scrambles back really well.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments