The French team were missing several key players for their opening match in Europe, including their Argentine World Cup trio: Juan Martin Herandez, Ignacio Corleto and Rodrigo Roncero.

Quins were boosted by the return of England World Cup stars, Nick Easter and Andy Gomersall, and were looking to end last season's French Champions' 14 match winning run.

Harlequins put up a good performance and refused to go down easily. The London club took the lead after six minutes with Chris Malone's boot, when Stade Francais' second row Pascal Pape was penalized for a high tackle on Quins captain Paul Volley.

French International fly half Skrela equalled the score after eight minutes with a penalty of his own, and four minutes later the French team broke the Quins' defence and centre Liebenberg was able to score his first try of the match. Skrela secured the conversion and Stade Francais took the lead 10-3.

There was a heated moment on the pitch when Volley's elbow on Mauro Bergamasco led to an on pitch brawl between a number of the players. After Irish referee Alain Rolland had restored the peace, Stade Francais took hold of the game. Winger Dominici exchanged passes with Micro Bergamasco before breaking through the Quins defence to score his 21st Heineken Cup try, converted by Skrela for a 17-3 half time lead.

Quins came out after the half time break determined to put points back on the board, and after just three minutes Malone's high kick to the left corner was caught safely by Monye, who then proceeded to cross the line. Malone's conversion from out wide landed between the posts to secure the extra 2 points and a reduced deficit of 7 points.

Skrela was quick to respond with two penalties, taking the game away from Quins' reach. Winger Saubade secured the win with a solo effort, with just 10 minutes on the clock. A loose ball saw the winger slip through the Quins' defence from 30 yards out.

Lienbenberg gained the conversion points before Bergamasco claimed the bonus point by running in the home side's fourth try in the remaining minutes.

A consolation try was scored by Quins in injury time, when De Wet Barry crossed the line.