· It was also a day for thrilling finishes in the Celtic league, the most extraordinary of which was at Rodney Parade. Newport were cruising at 25-9 up with 13 minutes to go. But visitors Glasgow maintained their unbeaten start with 22 unanswered points in those remaining minutes to win 35-21. Across the Rhondda, Ebbw Vale came back from 18-3 down at home to Caerphilly to triumph 45-25. And Swansea beat Ulster 38-10.

· If Clive Woodward clapped politely/punched the air with joy (allegedly) when Leeds beat Leicester on the opening day of the season, one wonders how he reacted on Friday night as Chris Jones galloped home from 50 yards to inflict yet another defeat on the mighty Tigers. Not only is Jones the latest of a long line of talented young locks for him to drool over, but the Premiership still looks wide open after as many as three games. Come on, Leicester fans - let Clive (and the rest of us) enjoy it while it lasts.

· Meanwhile, yet more hopeful and excited contenders look to take advantage today. Gloucester travel to Newcastle today to renew their hostile relationship with Rob Andrew. Coincidentally or not, Epi Taione - the man Andrew accused Gloucester fans and Olivier Azam of racially abusing last season - is dropped for the Falcons and replaced at flanker by fellow Tongan Soa Otuvaka. Wayne Shelford makes two unforced changes at full-back and fly-half for Saracens' visit to London Irish. Thomas Castaignède and Andy Goode make way for Adryan Winnan and Nicky Little, the latter pair rewarded for good work in training. And at the Memorial Ground there are two captaincy changes. Ross Beattie, Bristol's skipper, is forced to rest, while for visitors Northampton Budge Pountney assumes sole control, having shared it with John Leslie.