Harlequins, beaten finalists last season, arrived in Paris knowing they, too, could have gone on to reach the knock-out phase. But they never warmed to a game that had the kick-off delayed to ensure the pitch had been fully thawed out.

When the action eventually began 90 minutes later than scheduled it was the home side who got to grips with the task and built up a 17 point lead. Heineken Man of the Match Waisea Vuidarvuwalu raced to the posts for the first try and then French international wing Julien Arias skipped over for the second.

Jules Plisson converted them both and then added a penalty on the stroke of half-time. But just as the home fans were thinking about getting arm in the interval break, Danny Care took a quck tap penalty conceded at the re-start and gave No 8 Mat Luamanu the chance to show off his power with a storming run the length of the home 22 for a try.

If that score gave Harlequins a bit of hope, a 10 point burst in the opening 12 minutes of the second half from Stade put them firmly in control once again. Plisson kicked a penalty and then converted a try from replacement hooker Craig Burden.

That extended the lead to 22 points and seemed to have put Harlequins out of the game, but England wing Marland Yarde got over for a try that Tim Swiel converted to breathe new life into the visitors. Plisson was wide with another penalty before James Chisholm, on at No 8, barged his way over for a third Quins try with two minutes left to play.

Ruardih Jackson’s conversion hit the upright and it was a case of too little, too late for the Premiership side.