Heineken Cup Pool 4: Chris Robshaw encouraged by Harlequins' performance
Chris Robshaw insisted there are positives for Harlequins to take despite their defeat at Clermont Auvergne.
Last Updated: 21/10/13 3:15pm
The Aviva Premiership side are bottom of Pool Four despite gaining a losing bonus point courtesy of Nick Evans' drop goal with the final kick in central France where Clermont had won their previous 64 matches.
Wing Tom Williams scored a 39th minute try and one point was what Quins fully deserved for a committed and spirited display at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.
Quins captain Robshaw said: "We are disappointed not to have come away with more. You look at the record that they have here and credit to them.
"We gave them three early tries but stayed in it and leave with a point because of a cracking drop goal by Nick to finish.
"In the Premiership we have started pretty slowly. Hopefully this game has really turned our season around. I'm incredibly proud of all the guys out there."
The improved performance came just eight days following the below-par display at home against the Scarlets.
Anger
And Robshaw was delighted with the response of his team-mates after director of rugby Conor O'Shea revealed his anger at the players.
Robshaw added: "We had a telling off in the week, but we trained hard and well and came here with a point to prove.
"Unfortunately we didn't get the result, but to leave with a (bonus) point was good and we had some great performances out there.
"Players stuck their hand up and a lot of the young guys who came on off the bench made an impact, especially in an arena like that. It's not easy."
Quins trailed 20-13 at the interval after Williams scored in the left corner following good work by Robshaw, Will Collier, Danny Care and Mike Brown.
But, despite a fifth loss in seven games this season, England flanker Robshaw claims the spirit is still high in the Londoners' camp.
Robshaw said: "We thought we were very much in the game at half-time. We spoke about the quality in their side and if they scored three, we had to score four. That was our mentality all week.
"Our defence wasn't on it, but as you saw, as soon as we kept hold of the ball, we converted it just before the end of the half. That gave us the belief.
"The belief in this squad whether it's on the back of the run we've just had or when we've won quite a few games is always quite high."
