England star hunts down and flattens Rees-Zammit in man of the match game
Many teams have paid the price for giving Gloucester winger Louis Rees-Zammit too much space in the back field this season and Harlequins made sure they were not going to suffer the same fate Twickenham on Saturday.
So when the Welshman started one of those winding runs he has become famous for in the first half yesterday, England’s Joe Marchant was quick to nip it in the bud. Rees-Zammit started to work his way across the field deep in his own half, but Marchant tracked up all the way, putting in a diving tackle on the 21-year-old’s upper body that sent him flying.
This was all in a man of the match performance for Marchant, where he also bagged two tries as Quins won 28-24. Meanwhile, Rees-Zammit was actually yellow carded in the second half when his side were leading. Third place in the Gallagher Premiership is now secure for the reigning champions ahead of a trip to Sandy Park next round to take on Exeter Chiefs.
This is what Harlequins coach Tabai Matson said about Marchant after the match: “Joe was phenomenal again today. He does an amazing job for us.
“I thought (for England) against France (in the Six Nations), he was the best player on the field that day.
“For us, he is so reliable. He is one of our best. He is so versatile.
“He can be a world-class centre – he already is – you can put him on the wing, he can play full-back – don’t tell him I said that! – so he is a really balanced, skilful player.
“Is he one of the top centres in the country? Yes, for sure.”
Gloucester head coach George Skivington said: “A few of our lads haven’t even seen Twickenham Stadium, let alone played here. I am really proud of them.
“I don’t think the boys stopped fighting. I am not going to cry myself home.”
Joe Marchant has had enough 😤
Excellent tackle from one winger on another there 💪
Great fun seeing him and Louis Rees-Zammit go at it today 🔥#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/jFIalAMWrY
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) May 21, 2022
