Bath Rugby 25 Harlequins 17

As I have written previously rugby is not tribal.

Exactly a year ago I spent a delightful weekend in Bath with a Quins mate and his partner.

Quins lost, but as we left we saw a typical Quins toff – resplendent in his blazer – drinking in a pub with the earthier Bath Rugby supporters.

Thus I make no apology for heralding the renaissance of Bath Rugby.

This was the club that produced Jeremy Guscott, Richard Hill, Graham Dawe, Gareth Chilcott and Stuart Barnes but which has declined in recent years.

Now under the stewardship of former Munster coach Johan Graan they lead the Premiership and they owe him much – together with fly half Finn Russell.

The Premiership has thrown up some intriguing fly half match-ups: Marcus Smith v Owen Farrell; Smith v George Ford (Quins  v Sale) and yesterday Smith v Russell.

Although Smith scored a typical Smith jinking try his kicking off the tee was below par and he came out second.

Once again beef and heft overcame Quins artistry.

Our pack, now consisting of the returning Stephen Lewies, Joe Launchbury and Chandler Cunningham-South is more resolute and yet, the concern remains, not strong enough against the likes of Bath.

The Bath hero was Joe Cokanasiga the massive winger reminiscent of Jonah Lomu.

He was out of international favour but at his best – as he was yesterday – is an unstoppable unit.