Andre Esterhuizen leaves it late to help Harlequins sink leaders Leicester

• Harlequins 26-20 Leicester
• Quins on course for home playoff

Andre Esterhuizen’s late try ensured Harlequins signed off their final match of the regular season at the Stoop in style – and boosted their chances of returning here in the playoffs. Esterhuizen struck down the right five minutes from time to settle an entertaining victory over the league leaders Leicester Tigers and round off yet another dramatic comeback by the champions. Marcus Smith added a cathartic late penalty for good measure and Harlequins are now level on points with second-placed Saracens and in the mix for a home semi-final.

The Tigers will not be overly disappointed with the outcome given Steve Borthwick again opted to rotate his starting lineup and it is still hard to see how Leicester will not finish top of the pile. They could have made sure of a home playoff here but they have European ambitions to juggle and they may well get the chance to avenge this defeat over the road at Twickenham in June given how these two sides are performing in the Premiership run-in.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/KYnAHTd