And Meehan was delighted with the way the new boys settled in as Bath underlined why many people are tipping them to end Leicester’s dominance of the Aviva Premiership.

“We’re very happy with the debutants’ performances,” he said. “They were very good.

“Sam has settled in very nicely. He enjoys the way we are trying to play and brings a bit of pragmatism to our game as well, which is something we need from time to time.

“He is very solid defensively, he took the right option, delivered the ball pretty accurately and his goal kicking wasn’t bad. It was a very good performance from him and a try on debut so I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

“Simon Taylor is an excellent player. He slipped into Bath under the radar.

“No-one talked about him for the previous three years when he was away in France. He has been marvellous throughout the season and I thought he was magnificent today.”

There was further joy in the West Country as new boys Exeter stunned Gloucester 22-16.

Mark Foster’s early try and 17 points from the boot of Irish fly-half Gareth Steenson did the damage but coach Rob Baxeter warned against any premature celebrations.

He said: “If anybody had suggested a lap of honour I would have hauled them into the dressing room personally.

“It was a fantastic occasion but we didn’t win or lose anything out there, so there will be no partying on the strength of that.”

Elsewhere Welsh international Andy Powell grabbed a try on his Wasps debut in their thrilling 29-29 draw with Harlequins.

England players Nick Easter and Mike Brown crossed for Quins as part two of the London Double Header.

In the first game London Irish came from behind to secure a bonus point win against Saracens with Delon Armitage and Topsy Ojo both stating their case for an England recall with a try apiece.

Bragging rights were also at stake at Franklin’s Gardens where Northampton downed champions Leicester 27-19 with three tries from their props Soana Tonga'uiha (two) and Brian Mujati.

Finally former Scotland and Lions star Alan Tait’s start to life as Newcastle coach began with a 35-18 defeat to Sale.