Munster began their title defence with a 20-12 victory over the Dragons in the RaboDirect PRO12 at Musgrave Park on Saturday.
Leicester Tigers flyhalf George Ford missed two drop goals as the Exeter Chiefs secured a shock 30-28 win at Welford Road on the opening day of the new Premiership season on Saturday.
After his side's 39-27 victory over the Blue Bulls in Pretoria Sharks coach John Plumtree admitted that there was room for improvement on both attack and defence.
Harlequins, Exeter, Worcester, Wasps and Bath all secured wins in Saturday's Aviva Premiership action, with the Chiefs beating Leicester.
Bath fly-half Sam Vesty scored 17 points as the visitors claimed a comfortable 22-9 Aviva Premiership victory at Newcastle on Saturday.
Saracens' return to Twickenham ended on a sour note as they were dealt an Aviva Premiership opening-day 20-15 defeat by Wasps.
World Cup debutant Juan de Jongh was overwhelmed by the Springbok team's farewell and the reception they received from hundreds of supporters when they arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, late on Friday.
Rodney Ah You scored the game's only try as Connacht defeated Treviso 11-9 in their opening match of the new RaboDirect PRO12 League campaign.
The Free State Cheetahs thrashed the Leopards, outscoring the home side by nine tries to two in Potchefstroom to register a dominant 64-17 victory in their Currie Cup match on Saturday.
Worcester resumed life in the top flight with a hard earned 17-12 win over a spirited Sale side at Sixways.
Harlequins' 29-24 opening-day Aviva Premiership victory at Twickenham was marred when Tom Guest suffered a double break of his left arm.
The Sharks showed great composure and regularly punished the ill-discipline of their opponents to secure a solid 39-27 victory over the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
George Ford missed two crucial drop goals as Exeter won 30-28 at Welford Road to beat Leicester in the Aviva Premiership for the first time.
Immaculate kicking from Nick Evans enabled Harlequins to secure the first win of the Aviva Premiership season as they beat London Irish 29-24.
Jim Mallinder has warned Northampton there will be no excuses when they begin their Aviva Premiership campaign against Gloucester on Sunday.
