ZACH Mercer has urged his Bath team-mates to create a fear factor at the Rec after registering their first Premiership win of the season.

Todd Blackadder’s side broke their duck for the campaign on the road last Saturday, triumphing 37-32 away at Harlequins.

Bath had actually looked on course to get off the mark a week earlier at home to local rivals Gloucester when battling from 21-0 down to lead by seven points in the latter stages.

However, the Cherry and Whites eventually secured a 31-31 draw in the West County derby, so back-row star Mercer is keen to get off and running on home turf now too – starting on Saturday against Northampton Saints.

“We need to turn the Rec into a fortress and make sure it is a place other teams don’t enjoy coming to,” said 21-year-old Mercer, who was this week named in England's three-day training camp in Bristol on Sunday along with teammate Joe Cokanasiga.

“We started too slowly in the last home game but battled back really well and weren’t far off actually winning it in the end.

“Northampton are a tough side, but they are probably a different side away from home than what they are at Franklin’s Gardens.

“I’m sure it will be a good game between two sides that look to play open, exciting rugby. Hopefully it’s one we can come out the right side off.

“Northampton are a physical team first and foremost and we’ll know they will relish the battle at the set-piece, so that’s something we need to focus on.”

Mercer was amongst the Bath try scorers against Quins last time out, with both he and wing Joe Cokanasiga claiming a brace.

Wales international centre Jamie Roberts had earlier got the ball rolling with a touchdown as Blackadder’s side claimed a bonus-point win in London to sit fifth in the table after three games.

“It is always nice to get a win, especially the first one of the season. The Stoop is always a tough place to go and it was a great performance from the boys,” said Mercer.

“We had one of the best training weeks that I can remember, so it was built on the back of that. To come away with a bonus-point win on the road anywhere in the Premiership is a great achievement.

“It is always nice to play a part and to get a couple of tries was great, but you’ve always got to give credit to the boys around you for creating the opportunities.”