O'Shea praises 'mature' Quins

Harlequins boss Conor O'Shea believes his side's attitude was key to maintaining their unbeaten European Cup record against Biarritz.

The English Premiership champions put themselves in with the chance of being the best ranked pool winner with a battling 16-9 victory against Biarritz at a rain-soaked Parc des Sports Aguilera on Friday.

Captain Chris Robshaw's team are guaranteed a home tie in the quarterfinals and only Toulon and Clermont Auvergne can now deny them top ranking.

"It was a mature performance and we are delighted with the attitude of the players," said Director of Rugby  O'Shea.

"There was a lot of experience out there of playing together and in tough conditions but it was one of those nights when you had to roll the sleeves up and show as a group what it means to play for each other. We had to grind it out.

"We knew the kicking duel would be crucial and Nick Evans, Danny Care and Mike Brown kept us playing in the right areas," he said.

The Harlequins boss said that the confidence gained from winning away from home will be invaluable for his side.

"To come to the south of France and get a win against any team is outstanding especially given that's only the second time in the Heineken Cup that Biarritz have been beaten here.

"That was the motivation for the players as well as aiming to be number one seeds for the quarterfinals which could be important.

"Momentum is great in rugby and it was good to carry on the winning habit. It's also great for the fans who came out to watch us and all those back home who now have something special to look forward to. There's a lot of rugby to be played before the quarterfinal but we're looking forward to April," he added.