Match preview: Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints

Bristol Bears

• Bristol Bears are second only to London Irish in terms of red zone efficiency. They have scored a try or been awarded a penalty during 58% of their visits to the opposition 22.
• Against Bath in Round 13, Semi Radradra made 10 carries and 13 passes, including five offloads and two try assists.
• Harry Thacker is the Bears’ top try-scorer having scored six in 12 appearances. Upon completion of the Six Nations, he will face pressure from England loosehead Ellis Genge who has scored four in six.

𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁
/ˈnɒnʃəl(ə)nt/

adjective
(of a person or manner) feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; @r_naulago 😅 pic.twitter.com/oKYLm1G2NG

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) February 25, 2023

Northampton Saints

• The Saints come to life in the second half - they have scored 12 more tries in the second period than any other team (41).
• Northampton Saints have the best rate of gain line success in the league (59%). However, they have the second-lowest rate of carry dominance in the Premiership, winning the collision with just 18.9% of their carries.
• The Saints have visited the opposition 22 more times than any other team (160). However, they have scored a try during just 30.6% of these visits.
• The Saints have made the most offloads (188), try assists (49), and clean breaks (156) in the Premiership.

Out of this world 🌍

The handling to setup @FraserDingwall_'s try was something else 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lfZNWUmgiH

— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) February 25, 2023

Historical

• Bristol Bears have lost their last three matches against the Northampton Saints. There have been at least 56 points scored in each match but the largest margin of victory for the Saints was 17 points in April 2022.
• The Bears’ form in Bristol has been mixed this season. They registered their first home win in four matches against Newcastle in Round 17.

• Bristol Bears only defeat in their last six first-team outings was by a single point at Saracens in Round 16 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby.
• The Bears are unbeaten in their last six fixtures at Ashton Gate in all tournaments since Saracens beat them there 25-10 in Round 9 of Premiership Rugby.
• Northampton Saints have won their last three Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches since their 12-35 loss at Exeter in Round 15 whilst they have not won four in a row in the competition since last April.

The smiling assassin 😜@r_naulago ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/nbFSoUjbop

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) February 27, 2023

• The Saints have won just twice on the road in Premiership Rugby this campaign, beating Wasps in October and Leicester at the end of January.
• Northampton have won their last three encounters with Bristol since the Bears 28-21 win at cinch Stadium in March 2021.
• Northampton have won on three of their five previous visits to Ashton Gate.