Danny Care 'blown away' by Marcus Smith’s performances for Harlequins - 'He gets better and better'

Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care admitted he has been "blown away" by Marcus Smith’s performances for the club.

Smith was named player of the match as Harlequins overcame Gloucester 32-26 at Twickenham.

Gloucester could only score one try to Harlequins’ three in the first half of the Big Game 15 encounter, with Dino Lamb-Cona and Care adding to the hosts' tally in the second half.

The visitors clawed back two bonus points with two late tries, but Harlequins managed to hang on to their lead in front of 76,813 supporters.

Smith missed three conversions, but the fly-half was otherwise superb throughout the match. He made 90 metres from nine carries, six tackles and four gainline successes, as well as three 50/22s.

His set up for Nick David's second try of the match was particularly noteworthy.

Care was full of praise for Smith after the match, telling TNT Sports: "These are the games Marcus wants to play in. The bigger the game, the better the performance you get from this lad.

"I’ve been blown away for the last five years playing with him. He gets better and better.

"He’s still eager to learn, he’s still eager to get better, and whether it’s in a Harlequin shirt or an England shirt, you will get 100% from Marcus every time."

Care’s priceless reaction when he found out that Smith had been named player of the match was captured on camera, with the 36-year-old shaking his head and mouthing "not again" in jest.

Fortunately for Care, Smith found the funny side when he was shown the footage.

"This guy [Care] has got all the skills," the 24-year-old told TNT Sports. "He’s got many more years in him for sure."

The victory put Harlequins in sixth place in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby table, but the team are just three points off Northampton Saints in first.

Their next match is against Newcastle Falcons on Friday, January 5, before they continue their Investec Champions Cup campaign, shown live on TNT Sports, against Cardiff Rugby on January 13.

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