But Pirates showed that the Championship sides are not there to simply make up the numbers and, if this opening night clash is anything to go by, the inclusion of the second-tier clubs will benefit both the Premiership and Championship outfits.
It gave Bath's impressive England U18 and U20 graduates Tom CarrSmith and George Worboys at half-back and Ewan Richards in the second row, 80-minute opportunities to show their pedigree and promise.
And it provided Pirates, with nine newcomers plus the returning Kyle Moyle in their 23, with a platform to show that they can re-build once again after another summer which saw several key players depart. The big plus for the Pirates saw their starting scrum bulldozer the visiting pack to such an extent Bath's first three scrums resulted in Pirates penalties.
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