Champions Cup: 12 against 15 at the end of the match, Racing wins on the wire against Harlequins


Racing 92 narrowly won against Harlequins (30-29) on the third day of the Champions Cup. After two initial defeats, the Ile-de-France club had little hope of being part of the eight Group A teams qualified for the next round, but their narrow, unexpected victory allows them to still believe in it.

It was Nolann Le Garrec, who scored a penalty in the 77th minute when Racing was then playing 12 against 15 following a succession of yellow cards, who saved his teammates, before a breathless end to the match.

A wasted lead

But that the task looks complicated against Leinster, already qualified, in Dublin next weekend! Especially if the Ile-de-France club, 8th in its group with 5 points, does not raise its level and does not display more mastery. The first period started at a fast pace, with a first try for Ciel et Blanc in the 4th minute, signed by their center and captain Gaël Fickou.

The meeting then took a sharper turn, with a try refused to Harlequins by the referee in charge of the video, immediately followed by a good action, the conclusion of which was ensured by the Fijian third line Kitione Kamikamica, allowing the Ile-de-France to take the lead at halftime (14-3). Upon returning from the locker room, Laurent Travers’ men did not delay to score their third try (21-3, 41st), which was quickly answered by a beautiful ball carried by the English (21-10, 45th).

International opener Marcus Smith was then behind Harlequins’ second try, signed by winger Cadan Murley (21-17th, 51st). Subsequently, Racing was unable to take advantage of a clear numerical superiority after two yellow cards issued to Harlequins players, and it was the visitors who, at 14 against 15, finally went to flatten the net. goal, for a double from Murley, returning to two points (24-22, 64th). Racing, undisciplined, then offered a penalty try to his opponent, allowing him to take the lead (27-29, 75th), to revive the suspense in the last minutes.



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