Video: The Aviva Premiership- Round 1 Round-Up

“You can run around a lot, do some weight training, but you don’t quite know where you are until your first game. Generally, we’ve got to be pretty happy with that.

Saracens were another to earn a bonus-point victory first up but director of rugby Mark McCall insists his side will need to cut out their lapses in concentration after an otherwise positive start.

Tries from Mako Vunipola, Chris Ashton and a double from Jamie George alongside 22 points from Owen Farrell’s boot gave Sarries a 42-20 win over London Irish at Twickenham in the London Double Header but McCall knows there is much more to come.

There was also a narrow victory for 2012 Aviva Premiership champions Harlequins at Twickenham after they overcame London Wasps 16-15.

On Friday night Newcastle Falcons suffered a 21-0 defeat at home to Bath Rugby thanks to the boot of new fly-half George Ford and a try from Anthony Perenise and a penalty try in the second half.

While Mark Cueto extended his all-time Aviva Premiership try-scoring record after he inspired Sale Sharks to a 22-16 defeat of Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm.

Rounding off the weekend’s action on Sunday were the reigning champions Leicester Tigers who got off to a perfect start with a bonus-point victory over Dean Ryan’s Worcester Warriors.