Bristol sink champions Saints after Louis Rees-Zammit masterclass

Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit played a starring role as Bristol posted an early-season statement win by beating Gallagher Prem champions Northampton 41-26 at Ashton Gate.

Rees-Zammit followed up his two tries against opening opponents Sale Sharks with another double to put Bristol on the way to a bonus-point success.

He also shone in defence as Bristol largely nullified Northampton’s free-flowing game, while Harry Randall, Gabriel Oghre and Tom Jordan added further Bristol tries, and there was also a penalty try, with James Williams kicking three conversions and a penalty.

Northampton trailed by just a point at half time and were in contention throughout but they ultimately came up short despite scores from George Hendy (2) Alex Mitchell and Josh Kemeny, while Fin Smith booted three conversions. Saints finished with 13 players following yellow cards for Tommy Freeman and Ion Neculai.

There was also good news for Bristol when their England centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg was able to watch the second half from the touchline after being carried off following a midfield collision that left him requiring prolonged treatment.

Bristol conceded 94 points when they last faced Northampton in May but Pat Lam’s team were quick out of the blocks and opened their account after just seven minutes when Oghre touched down following an impressive lineout drive.

The lead lasted barely 100 seconds though, with Saints hitting back following a slick move that saw number eight Henry Pollock deliver a scoring pass to Hendy before Smith converted from the touchline.

A close-range Williams penalty nudged Bristol back in front and the Bears dominated territory during a fast and furious opening quarter when both teams were keen on showcasing their renowned attacking intent.

Bristol thought they had extended their lead eight minutes before half time when Jordan caught AJ MacGinty’s cross kick and touched down unopposed but it was disallowed following a knock-on during earlier phase play by Randall.

The Bears continued to press and they deservedly extended their advantage courtesy of a fine finish in limited space from Rees-Zammit, with Williams’ touchline conversion opening up an eight-point advantage.

The half, though, drew to a close following a lengthy stoppage while Van Rensburg received treatment, yet there was still time for Hendy to claim his second try, converted by Smith.

But Bristol began the second period strongly and Jordan claimed their third try after the forwards built an imposing attacking platform. Williams’ conversion made it 22-14, again putting Northampton on the back foot.

It was then Saints’ turn to see a try chalked off when lock Alex Coles’ effort was ruled out following obstruction by Saints hooker Curtis Langdon on his opposite number Oghre, then they fell further behind as Randall’s score secured a bonus point and Williams added the extras.

Rees-Zammit’s second touchdown took Bristol past 30 points, yet Northampton served a reminder that they were not quite out of it through substitute Mitchell’s score 16 minutes from time that Smith converted before Kemeny scored and further ruffled the home team.

Bristol, though, had done enough to make it two wins from two in the Prem and set themselves up for an appointment with Saracens next time out, sealing it through a penalty try following Freeman’s illegal challenge on Rees-Zammit.