Harlequins legend Danny Care has given a frank assessment of his former club after their devastating 40-14 loss to Bristol Bears at the weekend.
Speaking as part of the TNT punditry team, Care was very honest about the issues that plagued the hosts.
“They were second-best in every single aspect of the game,” said Care.
“When you boil the whole game of rugby union down, it comes down to physicality, and Quins were the least physical side out there, both sides of the ball.
“In attack, they looked a little bit helpless, they didn’t seem to hit the weak shoulders, they were running straight into people; we didn’t see the Quins style, the Quins flair, and in defence, they were so soft, they just looked soft tonight, which is a worrying thing.
“They didn’t really fire a shot. It took 47 phases in the red zone for them to score their first try. Their red-zone efficiency was the worst in the league before that game. I would hate to see the stat on that now.
“It is very unforgiving, rugby. They have to get back on the horse, and they have got to get back on the horse very quickly.”
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The mightiest Quin
Fans were full of praise for the former England star, with many impressed by the impartiality he showed, despite his natural allegiance to Harlequins. Unlike pundits in the past, Care was not afraid to highlight the issues in his former club’s performance.
“This is why he is the Mightyest Quin,” one fan said. “He’s absolutely right and the coaches have all the clay they need to make something great and have f****** it.”
Another added: “Him and scaz work well together. Refreshing to have two newly retired players doing comms. Both very articulate and insightful.”
This damning loss leaves Harlequins floundering near the bottom of the Prem table with 10 points, above just Gloucester, who are on eight and Newcastle Red Bulls, who remain rooted to the bottom, winless and pointless.