Opposition view: Gustard proud of Harlequins players after defeat to Saints

Harlequins were unable to win the scrap against Saints (picture: Sharon Lucey)

Quins smashed the Sharks 51-23 on Gallagher Premiership opening day at The Stoop.

They headed to Franklin's Gardens in buoyant mood, but they were not able to get the better of Saints.

A try from Dylan Hartley, allied with 17 points from the boot of Dan Biggar and three from Harry Mallinder gave Chris Boyd's men a 25-18 win.

But they were forced to battle as Quins fought until the final whistle, desperately seeking a try after the clock had hit 80.

However, Saints held out, forcing a knock on close to their own line as they secured the victory.

And Gustard was happy with his side's showing, even though they could only claim a losing bonus point from their game at the Gardens.

“I was more proud of that performance than I was of the one at home the week before," said former England defence coach Gustard, who took over at Quins during the summer.

"Last week things came to us a bit, this week we had to fight for things, we had to find an answer to a problem.

"We showed tenacity, we showed fight, we showed courage."