Round six of the Gallagher Premiership promises to deliver another thrilling weekend of action, with teams looking to solidify their positions ahead of a break before the Test rugby returns in November.
Pat Lam's side have been in the doldrums but a sense of rejuvenation is in the air at Ashton Gate
Alex Mitchell ran the show as Northampton condemned Bristol to a fourth successive Gallagher Premiership defeat by winning 45-31 at Franklin’s Gardens.
The Premiership season is drawing to a close which means numerous players are getting ready to join new clubs over the summer break. Plenty of transfers have already been confirmed across the league.
Stand-in England skipper Courtney Lawes has opted against taking a post-Autumn Nations Series rest as he starts for Northampton on Friday.
BT Sport’s Nick Mullins has over the last decade become the instantly recognisable voice of rugby union in the British Isles.
The past weekend’s action was marred by a series of encounters with referees which have brought rugby’s values into question.
Semi Radradra was also too hot for the Dragons to handle, setting up both Ben Earl tries through audacious approach play and adding his own for Bristol.
Negative comments about his size affected Harry Thacker at Leicester but the hooker's whirling dervish style has found a home at title-chasing Bristol.
