Northampton: 29 Tries: Human, Rudd, Tucker, Reihana Cons: Grayson, Drahm (2) Pen: Grayson Bath: 14 Try: Beattie Pens: Malone (3)

The Saints scored tries through wingers Wylie Human and John Rudd, on their debuts, Mark Tucker and Bruce Reihana.

New Zealander Reihana finished off a move started under his own posts, and his score will be an early contender for try of the season.

Bath could manage only three penalties from fly-half Chris Malone and a try for flanker Andy Beattie.

Last year's beaten Zurich Premiership play-off finalists were hampered by the absence of Ollie Barkley and Mike Tindall because of limits imposed on selection by the Rugby Football Union's Elite Player Scheme.

The people we chose to come in are quality blokes Saints coach Alan Solomons

Meanwhile, Northampton's three new South African signings, Corne Krige, Selbourne Boome and Robbie Kempson, enjoyed impressive debuts and bolstered the Saints pack.

Solomons was delighted with the performance of the new-look side in his first Premiership match in charge.

"The spirit with which they played was terrific, they really played for one another," said Solomons.

"The people we chose to come in are quality blokes and I felt there wouldn't be any problems with everyone gelling."

Bath director of rugby John Connolly was not too disheartened by the opening day defeat.

"There are many plusses to take from that game but there were too many turnovers and the three or four easy dropped balls in the midfield - and missing a few goals - cost us."

Northampton: Reihana; Rudd, Tucker, Stcherbina, Human; Grayson, Robinson; Smith, Thompson, Kempson, Boome, Browne, Blowers, Krige (c), Seely.
Replacements: Richmond, Morris, Lord, Fox/Soden, Howard, Drahm, Cohen.