Danny Care believes his half-back partnership with former All Black Nick Evans can prove successful for Harlequins.

The England scrum-half teamed up to good effect with the club's big money summer signing as Dean Richards men got off to a winning start by beating Saracens 24-21.

Evans, who has 16 caps for New Zealand, was forced off with a leg injury in the 65th minute but not before he had shown enough glimpses of class to promise much for the rest of the season.

Care said: "Nick's great to play with as a nine because he is always talking and shouting at you so you know exactly where he is all the time.

"We'd like to play as much as we can together, although there is some great competition here at No9 and No10."

David Strettle's try inside the first minute, set up by a darting blindside break from Care, gave Quins the perfect start and while Adam Powell's brilliant solo effort briefly put Saracens in front, Ugo Monye's 50th-minute score put Quins ahead for good.

After establishing himself in the Quins starting line-up ahead of Andy Gomarsall midway through last season, 21-year-old Care insists he is ready for the challenges ahead.

He said: "A lot of people talk of this second season and the expectancy to perform. That is something I am looking forward to and enjoying."