The Blues, despite losing three players to injury before half-time, were good value for their Pool Five victory.

It was Quins’ first European appearance since the ‘Bloodgate’ fake injury scandal led to bans for their former rugby director Dean Richards, ex-physio Steph Brennan and current wing Tom Williams.

Blues fans, though, were in a mood to forgive and forget, applauding Will Skinner and his team on to the pitch.

Fly-half Nick Evans, the injured goalkicker Richards tried to send on as replacement for Williams against Leinster six months ago, booted two penalties from four attempts.

Quins, however, offered little in attack and the Blues were never seriously threatened.

Wings Tom James and Leigh Halfpenny scored tries that briefly illuminated the contest, while Blues full-back Ben Blair booted two conversions and two penalties.