Quins to fight on despite tough task

Quins are yet to register a win in this year's competition after defeat at Cardiff Blues was followed by an agonizing home reverse against French giants Toulouse.

And Easter, who was one of the stand-out performers during Quins' surge to the quarter-final stages of last season's Heineken Cup, knows that his side now face an uphill struggle to repeat that achievement.

But, while qualification is still a mathematical possibility, the experienced England international insists Quins will not go down without an almighty fight.

"We've left ourselves a hell of a task in the Heineken Cup," Easter told the Daily Telegraph.

"Having fought tooth and nail to remain in the tournament, we've let it slip by losing to Cardiff Blues and Toulouse.

"But until mathematically we're out, we're going to give it everything."

It's been a difficult few months for Quins. The controversy that followed director of rugby Dean Richards' resignation in August left a sour taste for everyone at the club.

But Easter believes that the experiences that followed the fake blood drama have made Quins a stronger unit, one that now believes they can pull through in adversity. A club that believes two defeats from two in the pool stages doesn't have to spell disaster.

"We're stronger people for what we've been through," added Easter, who is back in action having missed England's autumn internationals with a calf strain.

"You wouldn't want it, you don't plan for it, but you've got to deal with it. Just as you can gain a lot from coming through adversity in a match, that's what has happened with us.

"When everyone is knocking you, you've got to pull together. What went on did affect us. But it's behind us now, that's for sure. Mud will always stick in the eyes of some people, and inevitably it will be brought up, but for us it's over."