The 2007 South African World Cup skipper had tasted European action before during a short stay at ASM Clermont Auvergne and he made a return to the tournament in the 58th minute as a replacement for fellow countryman Schalk Brits.

And it didn’t take long for him to make an impact as he drove over for his side’s fifth and final try in the 77th minute to round off a good day’s work by the home pack.

But while Smit grabbed the headlines late in the day it was England prospect Owen Farrell who enhanced his growing reputation with a 22 point contribution with a try, four conversion and three penalties.

In fact, it was 16-3 to Farrell at the break and it wasn’t until Britz put Dave Strettle over for a try six minutes into the second half with a delightful inside pass that Farrell’s stranglehold o the scoreboard was broken.

Franco Smith’s Benetton Treviso had won on the road in their domestic league at both Ulster and Glasgow this season, but found themselves outgunned upfront and outpaced behind. Even so, their defence never leaked and they hit back to score two tries in the final six minutes.

Replacement hooker Franco Sbaraglini got the first and then replacement lock Gonzalo Padro ensured a good ending with his 80th minute touchdown.

The bonus point victory took Saracens to the top of Pool 5 and they will travel to face Biarritz Olympique next weekend, while Benetton Treviso’s second round assignment is at home against the Ospreys.