The highest scorers in the Aviva Premiership and top of the table in all three competitions they are contesting makes it a surprise to hear Harlequins winger Sam Smith bemoan his side’s wastefulness, writes Charlie Talbot-Smith.
 

A lack of a ruthless streak is not a description that springs to mind when you think of Quins, but according to the 22-year-old it is exactly the thing his side need to address.
 

A 57-14 thumping of Zebre in the Heineken Cup on Saturday begs to differ, but in terms of the Premiership,  Quins have not been the all-conquering side of last year.
 

“There’s definitely more to come from the team. We have shown flashes of our potential, but have not been ruthless and put teams to the sword,” said Smith.
 

“Zebre last weekend was a good example of us getting it rightt. We were well clear going into the final quarter and it would have been easy for us to take our foot off the gas.
 

“But we pushed on and scored more tries late on in the match. On a good track this weekend when Zebre come to ours we should be set to do the same.”
 

Smith has had to bide his time for first-team action, but two tries against the Italians, in his sixth start on the bounce, is reward for his hard graft.
 

“I have spoken to Conor and the key for me is to work hard on making sure I’m a more rounded player, the sort of things I need to work on after training,” he added.
 

“We are a squad with a lot of strength in depth, so I really appreciate it every time I get the chance. It’s crucial I play as well as I possibly can and hope that is good enough to be starting again the next week.”
 

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