And afterwards the All Blacks ace revealed he enjoyed getting some rugby back in his legs after his recent break from the game.

“It was fantastic to get out there and blow out the cobwebs after not playing for about six weeks,” he said.

“I really enjoyed every second with the crowd and the manner in which we played. I thought I played reasonably well for a first game, I still have to get used to some of the moves and combinations but it will come.

“Now we just need to keep building and use this as a starting point for the Guinness Premiership.”

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock was also full of praise for his big new summer signing.

“Rico did very well and some of the passing he did to put people in space showed his class,” he said.

“He hasn’t played for a couple of months so you have got to give him time to get even better, but to get him on the field was a real plus for us.”