Dean Richards has challenged his Harlequins players to repeat their momentous win over Stade Francais again this weekend.

Quins pulled off one of the Heineken Cup's greatest shocks last Saturday in front of a competition record crowd of 76,569 when they won 15-10 at the home of the French giants.

But Richards warned the result would be worthless unless they back it up with a home win over Stade to qualify for their first Heineken quarter-final in 11 years.

Richards said: "The boys stood their ground and didn't give an inch. We will have to do exactly the same this week.

"This is one game of two. We have to back it up with a win at the Stoop and by getting through the group.

"They will come back feeling wounded and will have all their guns blazing, so we have to maintain our focus like we did in Paris."

After the game, Richards described the pre-match entertainment - which included jousting Knights, Can-Can girls, a battle between wizards, and a display of falconry - as 'a circus'.

Skipper Will Skinner knew they'd have to avoid being overawed by the hype if they had a chance of winning.

Skinner said: "One of our main aims was to block out the crowd.

"We knew they were going to be on top of us and we wanted quieten them to take the confidence away from Stade.

"We knew they would feed off that, and if they get going they can steam-roller teams.

"It was distracting, but we prepared so well we knew what it was going to be all about.

"But we were able to get on top and put pressure on them, which shows how far we have come. It was a truly remarkable performance."

And Skinner is confident that they will not let their chance of a quarterfinal shot go begging.

He added: "We've got a few more games to come, but we want to win to put us in the strongest position possible.

"They will be more up for it than ever, but we've got to come back and show that we're mentally strong too."

Quins survived two scares when possible try decisions for Stade went to the Televison Match Official, then were able to poach tries from turnovers through Tom Williams and Jordan Turner-Hall.

And for Danny Care, who had a spell in the sin-bin, it was one of the best games he has ever been involved with.

Care said: "That's as tough as it gets. It was international standard, and the best we've ever defended as a team

"It was one of our best and biggest performance since I've been here. But it means nothing if we don't go and play well again this week.

"It gives us a massive boost going into next week the return game that we can defend a game like that - now we've got to back it up with another performance.

"We were so excited about the game and really believed that we could come here and win."

* ALL BLACKS legend Sean Fitzpatrick has joined Quins as a nonexecutive director.

The New Zealander, who was capped 92 times for his country, was captain of the national side from 1992 until 1997, when he retired from test rugby.

Quins chief executive Mark Evans welcomed Fitzpatrick.

He said: "We are delighted that someone of Sean's experience and expertise has decided to join us at such an exciting time in the club's development.

"I am sure he will add value in a number of key areas."