The South African No8 was eased into action with his new club as they banked a third maximum five-point haul from the 67-11 stroll to take charge of the group in real style.

The 2008 tournament champions and 1998 Heineken Cup winners ended up running riot, with centre Horacio Agulla cashing in with a brace of tries as the Rec crowd enjoyed a try fest.

The bonus point was safely tucked away when skipper Guy Mercer crossed early in the second half and by the final quarter Bath players were running them in almost at will.

Mark McMillan, Josh Ovens, Dominic Day, Kane Palmer Newport and David Attwood all got in on the act, with the Italians also conceding a penalty try as they were put to the sword.

Tom Heathcote was given plenty of goal kicking practice and Bath will now travel to Italy for the return tie next weekend in confident mood, before playing Bucharest Wolves and Agen next month in the final stages of a Pool they are dominating.