The visitor lost Kyle Eastmond in the 16th minute for a high shot on Quins fly-half Marcus Smith that prompted a series of altercations between the two sets of players, but they ran in four of their six tries despite the numerical disadvantage for a bonus-point win.

Wasps made a blistering start through scores from Juan de Jongh and Thomas Young inside the opening 10 minutes, but the host was handed a boost when Eastmond saw red for an out-of-control tackle.

Tries from Tim Visser and Aaron Morris brought Quins level early in the second period, but two in the space of three minutes for Wasps – Young getting his second before Willie le Roux finished a sweeping move – put them back on top.

England international Nathan Hughes made his first appearance since October having been sidelined by a knee injury before Tom Cruse and Charlie Matthews exchanged scores after Archie White was sent to the sin bin.

Josh Bassett dotted down a grubber from Danny Cipriani with four minutes remaining to complete a thoroughly impressive victory for Dai Young's side.