Defeat at Worcester will have taken the gloss off the occasion, but for Tigers back row Ben Pienaar it was a memorable day as he made first Guinness Premiership starting appearance.

The 21-year-old had a first taste of league action from the bench in the win over Leeds Carnegie the previous week, and was grateful for the opportunity to test the water before taking a starting role on Saturday in the absence of Lewis Moody, Luke Abraham, Ben Herring and Tom Croft.

“To be honest, I was very glad I got the game-time as a replacement against Leeds so I knew some of what to expect,” said Pienaar. “That gave me a bit of a headstart.”

Looking back on his first start, he added: “It was a great experience. I was overwhelmed really when I was told I’d be in the team, I just wanted to get out there. I was nervous, but very excited.

“It was a great experience, though it was obviously disappointing to lose the game. And my legs were feeling it a bit afterwards!”

It was a tough challenge for a newcomer, going head to head with Worcester captain Pat Sanderson, a man good enough in the position to lead England, and with Shane Drahm pulling the strings at fly-half for the Warriors.

“Neil Back prepared me for the game and Martin Corry was great on the pitch. I’m very lucky to be able to work with those kind of guys here,” Pienaar said.