If Nick Abendanon continues in his present vein of form going into the November internationals, Martin Johnson will curse the fact that his selectorial hands are tied. Abendanon was omitted from England's elite 32-man squad in July and players can only be promoted in the event of injury. Yet with Josh Lewsey enduring a miserable start to the season and Mathew Tait hardly setting the world on fire, it could well be that the full back most worthy of selection is not available.

The South Africa-born Abendanon, 22, was capped twice last summer only to miss the World Cup cut because of concerns about his defensive qualities. However, Steve Meehan, the Bath head coach, believes Abendanon has matured, is fresh and playing better than at any time in his career.

Abendanon scored Bath's first try in a performance that was glint of gold when compared to the sludge of many Guinness Premiership games so far this season. Three tries were created from deep as Bath put in a performance that was more than a dogged, one-dimensional Worcester side could cope with.

“Having spent the best part of 18 months trying to develop an attacking brand of rugby, we don't want to go into our shells,” Meehan, whose side are now second, said. They next face London Wasps on Wednesday, a game which should mark the return of Danny Cipriani less than five months after his serious ankle injury received against Bath.