Gaffney hails Sarries defence

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The visitors touched down through centre Rodd Penney and South African pair Neil de Kock and Brent Russell, while Glen Jackson kicked 12 points.

"We were totally dominated in the first 30 minutes but I commend our defence," said director of rugby Gaffney. "We scrambled very well. I give our guys full credit for the way they defended. We were under the cosh for a lot of that game."

He added: "Quins could easily have scored a couple of tries because we never got into the game in the opening 30 minutes. But I thought we came back well in the second half and scored some good tries. The second by Brent Russell was straight off the training field."

Saracens have had a reputation in recent years for signing big-name individuals but Gaffney was quick to praise the work ethic of his latest crop of arrivals.

He singled out Australian full-back Russell and New Zealand lock Chris Jack, along with scrum-half and captain De Kock.

"We are trained to create leaders and these guys are going out and showing what they can do," he said. "Jack's enormous - you see the quality of the name with everything he does. He was monumental.

"And de Kock is a great player and he was elected captain by the players - not myself - and he leads from the front.

"We are now getting guys who want to grow with the club and we are improving as a club.

"As well as being good rugby players, they have to be leaders and good guys who can fit in with the club, and that's what we're getting now."