Chris Robshaw knows that Harlequins need to be at it from the off as they prepare for their return to Champions Cup action against Clermont.

The south Londoners were dumped out of last season’s Challenge Cup at the semi-final stage by the French outfit when a slow start put paid to their chances of progressing as they went down 32-27 to the eventual winners.

And Robshaw is keen to avoid the same fate this time around at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin on Saturday evening, aware that giving one of the world’s best club rugby sides a head start is never a good idea.   

“We know a little bit about what to expect, the intensity they bring, especially at home,” he said.

“It’s going to be tough, but it’s a place where you want to go to, to see what you’re about.

“We slipped off and allowed them to keep kicking away. We pulled back in the second half and by the time you believe the game’s over, but if you go there with that initial belief straight away and don’t wait for it.

“There are no invitations for this, no open doors, they’re not going to show you try lines. You’ve got to make sure that you go there and take it, because the whole town comes around them, the whole town shuts down and it’s about making the most of it.

“There are threats all over the pitch; they’re one of the best sides in world rugby.”

It has been a tough start to the new season for Quins, who sit 10th in the Premiership Rugby table heading into the European break, with just one win from their opening four domestic matches.

And former England skipper Robshaw is looking forward to a change of scenery for the upcoming fortnight, after the side earned their return to Europe’s top table thanks to a strong Premiership finish last time out.

“We can’t wait to get involved and get started,” he said.

“For the last couple of seasons, we bounced into it, but before that we had been out of the competition for some time, so we had that honour of competing in it again.

“It’s where you want to be as a player, to test yourself against the best out there, going to incredible stadiums. We’re very honoured and can’t wait to get involved.”