THEY may have done the double over Leicester, but the Tigers still remain the team Harlequins need to emulate to seal their place at English rugby's top table, according to Mark Lambert.
Quins bounced back from last week's defeat to Wasps to come from behind and sink Leicester at The Stoop on Saturday, building on their win at Welford Road earlier in the season.
But Quins prop Lambert admits the Premiership champions need look no further than the Tigers for inspiration as they bid to show the rugby world they are no one season wonders.
He said: “Fair play to Wasps, they came out and attacked us from the off when they beat us, but we are the team everyone wants to beat, so we are going to have to get used to that - at least we bounced back against Leicester.
“We are up there on a pedal stool to be shot at, but it's a privileged position to be in. It's how Leicester felt for so many years when they were dominating English rugby.
“I think we have already proved this season that last year was not a flash in the pan, but Leicester done it time and time again for 15-20 years, so that's what we have to look at emulating."
Lambert won't waste too much time worrying about the arrival of new signing Paul Doran Jones, the Northampton Saints prop who will replace the departing James Johnston.
All of which leaves Lambert with just as much competition as before in trying to partner Joe Marler in the front row – but the Quins man is not overly concerned.
He said: “That is not my outlook these days. When I was younger I used to concern myself about those things and what other people were doing.
“But as you get older you see that those things are out of your control – all I can do is prepare myself the best I can and try to make myself a better player.
“We are all competitive animals, and it's my job no to make it easy for Paul to get into the team, but focusing on yourself and not others gives you the freedom to play your natural game.
“Losing JJ will be a blow as he has been outstanding for us for a couple of years now, but he has made his decision and we will support him in that. However, Paul will come in from a good club with a good reputation, and join a good unit already here.”
