Guinness Premiership

Gloucester boss Bryan Redpath hailed an impressive Guinness Premiership debut by Wales international Nicky Robinson after west country rivals Bath were sunk without trace at Kingsholm.

Robinson is currently down a Wales flyhalf pecking order dominated by Stephen Jones and James Hook. But he looks in the mood to start challenging the British and Irish Lions combination, judging by his performance against Bath.

The former Cardiff Blues playmaker contributed 14 points to a 24-5 victory, including a late interception try as Gloucester made an impressive start.

"Nicky has got a reputation for being a calm and tactically aware player. He has been unlucky with Wales," said Redpath. "I thought he controlled the game well. On a percentage basis, I thought he was outstanding."

Gloucester ended last season without silverware after making a Heineken Cup pool stage exit and failing to reach the Guinness Premiership play-offs. The combined effect contributed to rugby director Dean Ryan's summer departure, but signs are already good of a revival under former Scotland scrum-half Redpath.

"I have been pretty honest with the players," he added.

"When they go on to the pitch, it's not the coach's fault, it is about them. They understand where it went wrong last season. They have put some of last season's nightmare to bed. All I can ask is they put themselves on the line, rather than hide behind an excuse."

A Gloucester victory was never in doubt once they moved 10-0 ahead by half time, with wing James Simpson-Daniel claiming two touchdowns as Bath were comfortably kept at bay. The visitors were not helped by flyhalf Ryan Davis missing three penalties, while they also offered little in attack, sorely missing injured pair Olly Barkley and Butch James.

"Our general play let us down," said Bath head coach Steve Meehan. "It was our inability to finish things off, gifting [Gloucester] points and poor discipline. Our preparations for the season have been excellent, so we need to ask why we performed in such a way. We simply have to concentrate on the key parts of our game."

With thanks to the Guinness Premiership.