Quins chief happy with performance in French test

Conor O'Shea was delighted with Quins' first pre-season performance. Photo credit: David Davies/PA wire

Friday, August 10, 2012
12:11 PM

Pre-season freindly: Castres Olympique 35 Harlequins 15

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea was happy with his side’s first pre-season run-out as they lost 31-15 to a full strength Catres last night despite missing 13 of their star names.

The Premiership champions were without nine EPS players while James Johnston, Maurie Fa’asavalu and Nick Easter are still on their pre season programmes.

The French side, in comparison, were at the end of their friendly preparations ahead of their Top 14 opener against Toulouse next week.

“A lot of players got an opportunity tonight and against a full-strength Castres side, who prepare to face Toulouse next week, we played some outstanding rugby,” O’Shea todl the club’s official website.

“We have learnt a lot, both individually and collectively tonight and we were delighted with the commitment and skill shown so early in the season.”

Tries from Marc Andreu, Karena Wihongi and seven points from Rory Kockett’s boot saw the French hosts take a 17-3 half time lead, but the London side responded with scores from replacements Ollie Lindsay-Hague and Pete Browne in the second period.