Paul Gustard finally saw the 'true version' of Harlequins as they inflicted a first Gallagher Premiership defeat on Exeter Chiefs. 

The Chiefs hadn’t lost away from home since February and led early on after a try from Matt Kvesic, but the hosts responded with two tries of their own to lead 13-5 at half-time.

Exeter replied with three second-half tries, but Quins remained resolute and played some great rugby to cross the line twice more.

Despite a late surge from the Chiefs, the hosts saw out the game 28-26 in a performance which delighted their head coach. 

“I thought we showed a true version of ourselves in the game,” said Gustard.

“For me that shows resilience, character and togetherness and that’s what I am proud.

“It was the most joined up performance [of the season]. We have defended well in some games, attacked well in some games and defended set-pieces well in some games.

“We are tough and we are competitive – even when we lose we get something out the game, so we are a hard team to put away.”

Harlequins they remain fifth in the table but are now level on points with Wasps who occupy the all important last qualifying spot for the Champions Cup.

The result means Exeter have lost their position at the top of the table, but they picked up two bonus points which will provide some consolation for director of rugby Rob Baxter on a frustrating day.

Baxter said: “I am obviously pleased with the two points.

“I was interviewed before the game and I was asked about our away record and I said that we have got quite an extended group who know how to win and to make it hard for the opposition.

“Early on we could have seized control of the game with a couple of five metre opportunities and we knocked one on with a pick and go and another one we played away.

“It was frustrating from our perspective because some of our elements that make us hard to beat went missing.

“You also have to give credit to Harlequins because there’s no doubt that some of those errors came from pressure from the opposition.”