The first red card of the Premiership season has caused quite the debate

Leicester's victory was all the more extraordinary given they finished the match with a man down. Key player Solomone Kata was shown red after a head-to-head clash with ex-teammate Jack Yeandle.

However, in a dramatic finale, Tommy Reffell powered over the line, securing the win just as Exeter's Will Haydon-Wood was sin-binned for a high tackle.

The red card decision sparked lively debate among fans. One supporter expressed frustration at the referee’s performance, stating, "Red, yellow or nothing, Ref spent the rest of the game giving Leicester everything!"

Another fan pointed out the complexity of the collision, saying, "Well both heads collided, so I’m going to go for head-to-head. It’s not really a hard question."

A third spectator shared their view on the incident: "Not sure there's a clear head-to-head before the initial contact. Seems to be shoulder on shoulder, but there must be some sort of head contact with the way Kata was stumbling."

Despite the controversy, Cheika's team secured a valuable victory to start the season on a high note. With this dramatic win, Leicester Tigers have set the tone for what could be an exciting campaign under their new leadership.

After suffering a narrow 25-21 loss to Saints in last season’s final, Bath fielded 13 players from that match and looked eager to make a statement. From the opening minutes, the home side dominated with a series of bone-crunching tackles, while Northampton appeared off the pace compared to their title-winning form.

Captain Ben Spencer was at the heart of Bath’s impressive display, earning the man-of-the-match award with a try, a try assist, and his trademark influence at the gainline.

His performance caught the eye of England head coach Steve Borthwick, who was watching from the stands.

With Northampton's Alex Mitchell unavailable due to injury, Spencer seized the moment, delivering the kind of performance that has become his hallmark in recent seasons.

While other scrum halves may have greater flair on the international stage, none are as consistently vital to their team as Spencer.

“For him to come and deliver that performance was special,” Bath head coach Johann van Graan said. “Ben is a winner, and since he became captain, he’s only improved. He has big dreams in international rugby, but he’s completely focused on leading Bath.”

Flanker Ted Hill, another player under Borthwick's watchful eye, made his presence felt throughout the match. Hill, who joined Bath in 2022 after the collapse of Worcester, capped off an impressive first half with a try, showcasing his athleticism and work rate across the field.

Despite not featuring in Borthwick's plans for England’s upcoming tour, Hill’s performance against Northampton, including his impactful running and solid defence, will have undoubtedly given the England coach something to think about.

Joe Cokanasiga wasted no time in making his mark on the new season, scoring a try just five minutes into the match. After a powerful carry by Ted Hill, Cokanasiga finished the move with a strong, decisive run, silencing critics and showcasing his potential.

With Finn Russell adding the conversion, Bath continued to build on their early momentum. Fans were quick to praise the winger, with one remarking, “You’re not stopping the big man!” Another added, “Still haven’t worked out how Cokanasiga hasn’t played for England more—he’s a quality operator.”

Bath’s emphatic win over Northampton sends a clear message to the rest of the Premiership. With key players like Spencer, Hill, and Cokanasiga firing on all cylinders, the team looks set for a strong campaign, shaking off the disappointment of last season’s final loss and setting their sights firmly on silverware.