It was a dream start for Harlequins, with Jack Clifford, who has recently been recalled into England’s Six Nations squad, scoring the games’ first try. Marcus Smith added the conversion.

Agen wing Valentin Saurs did respond soon after with a try of his own – which was converted by Jake McIntyre – but it was not long until Harlequins regained the lead.

In-form back-rower Alex Dombrandt found Max Crumpton on his inside to cross over the try line.

The visitors finished the first half in excellent fashion after Gabriel Ibitoye found a hole in Agen’s defence to dot down for their third try. Smith’s successful conversion gave Harlequins a 12-point lead at the break.

🗣 "We're becoming more of a complete team, with an all-court game"

📽 Head of Rugby Paul Gustard following the win away to Agen which seals our place in the Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals #COYQ pic.twitter.com/o98uD83kLy

— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) January 18, 2019

The try-scoring bonus point was claimed shortly after the interval, when Danny Care’s beautifully-timed chip was collected by Nathan Earle, who powered over the whitewash. Young fly-half Smith added the extra points from the tee.

Care was again at the heart of Quins’ next try, putting his boot to good use with a chip behind the home defence, which was gathered by Joe Marchant, who piled over. Smith ensured the maximum points were taken with his successful conversion.

Jordan Peyri and Nicolas Metge went over for Agen late on, but Harlequins weathered the storm to secure victory and top the group with 21 points, edging out Benetton.