Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards believes his side are 'learning quickly' after watching them beat Stade Francais.
Quins chief sees big improvement from team
Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards believes his side are 'learning quickly' after watching them claim a dramatic last-gasp victory over Stade Francais.
Nick Evans booted a drop-goal in the final play of a match played in horrendous conditions to clinch the points 19-17 after Quins had failed to make the most of their opportunities earlier in the game.
The hosts opted to run first-half penalties instead of taking the points but Richards paid tribute to Evans, who did well to keep the ball alive with time running out as he waited for his moment.
Twice the stand-off sliced through the defence instead of attempted the drop-goal but when he finally pulled the trigger the result handed victory to Quins.
"The decision-making not to take the kick and hold onto possession were critical. That decision-making was something we have been lacking in recent years," said Richards.
"The other players will learn from that. Two or three years ago we would never have won it. I think the side is maturing greatly and we are starting to get the results we want.
"We will reflect on the game and go back through it and rue missed opportunities, kicks at goal we could have had, but it is all a learning curve the players are going through.
"There is still a long way to go. We have won four out of four but there are two difficult games ahead, Llanelli at home and Ulster away."
Evans admitted the dreadful underfoot conditions did not make it easy to drop the goal, which just skewed over the bar and needed confirmation from the video referee.
"We kept plugging away to get ourselves into a better position and even when it was 25 out it wasn't the best field conditions but I knew I would have to have a crack because I wouldn't get it any closer," said Evans.
"It was probably the ugliest drop kick I have ever had in my life but it doesn't matter if it goes over. To nail that opportunity is very pleasing and it is a good step forward for the team as a whole.
"We knew last week meant nothing if we didn't win today."
