Tabai Matson thought the small things resulted in Harlequins victory over Sale

By Joe Acklam

26th Oct 2022 | Rugby


"We didn’t make too many errors and we didn’t give away too many penalties." - Tabai Matson. Photo: Clément Bucco-Lechat
"We didn’t make too many errors and we didn’t give away too many penalties." - Tabai Matson. Photo: Clément Bucco-Lechat

Tabai Matson thought it was the small parts of Harlequins performance that led them to a 29-13 Gallagher Premiership over Sale Sharks. 

Harlequins bounced back from a disappointing performance in their loss against Leicester Tigers to win at the AJ Bell Stadium against Sale. 

Matson said his team did all the little things right in order to set them up for a great win against a previously unbeaten Sale. 

Speaking to BT Sport, he said: "I think just staying in the fight [was the most pleasing part] and when they put the squeeze on us in the last half, we didn't make too many errors and we didn't give away too many penalties and we just hung in the set piece battle and won a few of the kicking duels. 

"Ultimately the territory battle and not making too many errors got us the game. 

"One of the things we didn't want them to do was tee off on us and we are renowned for running the ball, especially in that middle third. 

"Tommasso Allen at full-back, I thought he did a fabulous job and getting another genuine kicker on the field, clearly he is a natural ten so that definitely helped with the territory battle and the kicking battle and ultimately that won us the game." 

Last week Harlequins has struggled to get the breakdown going but they were much improved against Sale and Matson thought that in the space of one week it had become a real strength in their performance. 

He said: "We were always going to get a bounce back in that area and clearly there were some bruised egos last week. 

"So, we were always going to bounce back, but that was exceptional. The quality of the tackling and the ability to put pressure on them and so some of their big carries didn't have as big of an influence as you would think in a home game. 

"I think that he [Marcus Smith] was probably showing some of his international experience, the test match stuff like kicking his goals, keeping the ball in front of the forwards, and being really accurate. 

"And I think that was one of the best test match performances I have seen from him." 

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