Harlequins skipper Chris Robshaw hinted his team remain hopeful of a Premiership play-off place, after securing their second win of the Rugby Restart against Northampton Saints on Sunday. 

The 2011/12 champions went into the Round 17 clash off the back of two defeats earlier in August, with Quins on the wrong end of a 29-14 humbling at struggling Worcester Warriors in their last outing. 

But tries from Nathan Earle and Scott Baldwin helped the hosts to an 18-14 half-time advantage at The Stoop, after Saints had twice taken the lead through scores from Rory Hutchinson and Ryan Olowofela. 

But the visitors - also chasing a top-four spot - were reduced to just three points in the second half as the West Londoners pulled away, with Robshaw and Chris Ashton crossing to secure a bonus-point, 30-17 victory. 

Following the full-time whistle, Robshaw explained he was buoyed by his team’s response to their disappointing performance against Worcester, and he was pleased with every part of Quins’ game. 

“We’re really pleased to score four tries - that’s something we haven’t done for a while and something we talked about trying to achieve before this game,” the 34-year-old said. 

“There were lots of aspects of our game that were really pleasing. Our kick-chase has been really inconsistent since coming back but we put a lot of pressure on their back three, and defensively we looked a lot sharper as well. 

“It was great to get a try - I think that’s my third of the season. I didn’t have to do much, it came about thanks to everyone doing their role effectively and that brought opportunities all day. It was a really solid win.”

Head coach Paul Gustard added: “The performance on Wednesday simply wasn’t good enough and hopefully the fans saw a positive response from the players. 

“We played with respect for the badge, we defended with courage, and the set-piece function and breakdown was excellent against a very good Northampton team who were desperate to win as well.” 

Victory sees Harlequins remain one place below Northampton in seventh, but only seven points off fourth-place Bath, who they entertain in their next fixture as the domestic season gradually draws to a close. 

Robshaw expects a tough test against the Blue Black and White who have largely impressed since the season’s resumption, but he knows a win would serve as a big boost to his team’s play-off hopes. 

He said: “Bath have done really well since the restart and they’ve got a big pack, as well as good backs which makes them a real handful. 

“It’s going to be a different, physical test and I think as forwards we’re going to have a big match-up. Hopefully we can get over the line and that will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season.”