Conor O'Shea believes Harlequins' battling victory over Newcastle is the perfect platform for next week's clash against Bayonne.
Falcons win is good prep for Amlin opposition says Quins boss
Harlequins battling victory over Newcastle has provided the perfect platform for next week's Amlin Cup tie against Bayonne according to rugby director Conor O'Shea.
Tom Guest's late try finally sealed the win for Quins after a stubborn Falcons side had refused to allow the hosts out of their sights for much of the game.
"We did not play brilliantly," said O'Shea "But the Premiership is about dogging out some games, doing your job and getting the victory. That's what we did.
"Newcastle came here incredibly motivated following last weekend's defeat, and they have some excellent international players.
"But we go into next week's European competition on the back of consecutive wins.
Confidence
"We're fifth in the table and I did say before the opening game of the season that we would have a proper idea of where we stand after five games and we do.
"We played well enough in the opening three games without getting the results, but now confidence is climbing."
O'Shea however knows that the greater financial clout of their European opponents will make next week's game anything but easy.
"Facing Bayonne will be another challenge, he added.
"They've increased their budget recently by £3.5million, which is our entire salary cap. But you have to get on with it.
"We're getting guys back from injury and we have two wonderful young props in Joe Marler and Joe Johnston.
"We'll make a few tweaks to the squad, but it will be a strong line-up."
Outstanding
Newcastle rugby director Alan Tait remained upbeat about his side's performance despite the defeat.
:"We were outstanding in one of our best performances of the season," he said.
"Just little things that were done by young players let us down, but they will learn fast because you get no mercy at this level.
"Concentration is the key to Premiership rugby, and for spells we defended superbly and frustrated Harlequins' best efforts.
"I was surprised by the penalty try because I felt we'd been as steady as a rock all match.
"Then we have an England Saxon sin-binned and are hit with seven points. It turned the game. But I am proud of this performance."
