Johann van Graan’s Bath turned the tables on defending champions Northampton Saints, exacting revenge for last season’s Premiership final defeat on the opening night of the new season.
– Three months after losing 25-21 to the Saints in last season’s final at Twickenham, Bath ran in five tries to earn a sensational 38-16 victory at the Recreation Ground, making a statement start to the new season. Former Stormers flank Jaco Coetzee, one of four South Africans on the bench for Bath, wrapped up the win with a late try. Lock Quinn Roux started for Bath, while Louis Schreuder, Jacques du Plessis and Frans van Wyk were substitutes. Juarno Augustus played 31 minutes off the bench for Northampton.
Jaco Coetzee scoring his first try of the season.
Followed by a few pleasantries. #SaffasAbroad via @rugbyontnt pic.twitter.com/O9emIBmlLL
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) September 22, 2024
– Bristol Bears also got off to a winning start on Friday night, fighting to a 24-3 away win in Newcastle. The home side put in an improved performance from their record 85-14 defeat at Ashton Gate last season, but still fell to their 22nd league loss in a row. Benhard Janse van Rensburg started in midfield for Bristol.
– Hanro Leibenberg grabbed a second-half try as Michael Cheika started his tenure at Leicester Tigers with a dramatic 17-14 win over the Chiefs in Exeter. Former Bulls flank Liebenberg scored in a thrilling second half, where Leicester lost centre Solomone Kata to a red card late on for a dangerous tackle, but snatched victory with a try in overtime. No 8 Kyle Hatherell also started for Leicester, while Exeter had South African-born Italy flank Ross Vintcent in their lineup.
– Saracens, with the services of former captain Owen Farrell, began the season with a 35-26 away win against Gloucester, with scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl scoring one of their four tries.
– The final game of the round saw Sale Sharks edge out Harlequins 12-11 in an attritional contest, with England flyhalf George Ford kicking four penalties. Ernst van Rhyn and Hyron Andrews formed the second row for the Sharks, who had Jean-Luc du Preez at No 8 and Robert du Preez at inside centre. Stephan Lewies and Irne Herbst were at lock for Harlequins.