Northampton Saints player ratings vs Bristol | 2026/27 Gallagher PREM

Northampton Saints player ratings: Northampton Saints suffered their first defeat of the Gallagher PREM season as Bristol Bears pulled away to claim a 41-26 victory at Ashton Gate.

Saints produced flashes of the attacking rugby that made them so dangerous last season, particularly through George Hendy, while Henry Pollock was involved heavily on both sides of the ball. But they struggled to break Bristol down through conventional phase play, their lineout malfunctioned and two late yellow cards ensured there would be no final comeback.

15 Tommy Freeman – 5
Never really settled into the contest at full-back despite 10 carries, a line break and three defenders beaten. Struggled to impose himself before his afternoon ended badly when he took Louis Rees-Zammit out after the Welshman chipped ahead, resulting in a yellow card and penalty try.

14 Ollie Sleightholme – 4
A difficult afternoon. Fumbled a bobbling ball under virtually no pressure when a try appeared to be on after 18 minutes and then caught Rubiolo high shortly afterwards. Conceded three penalties in total before being replaced after 53 minutes.

13 Rory Hutchinson – 6
There were some lovely attacking moments, including the long pass that helped put Kemeny over late on and a pull-back to Pollock for Hendy’s first try, but his defensive numbers were costly. Missed four tackles – the most by any player – alongside six successful efforts and was unable to consistently unlock Bristol’s midfield defence.

12 Fraser Dingwall – 7
One of Northampton’s more effective backs. Put Hendy through the smallest of gaps for the break that resulted in Mitchell scoring and later helped create Kemeny’s try. Added 11 tackles and a turnover, although three defensive misses took some gloss from his display.

11 George Hendy – 8
Northampton’s outstanding attacking performer. Scored twice, made four line breaks and beat five defenders before limping off. His break and inside pass created Mitchell’s score after the interval, turning down the chance to chase his own hat-trick in favour of the better option.

10 Fin Smith – 7
Produced an excellent wide pass to release Hendy for his second try and tackled tirelessly, finishing with 15 completed efforts. His kicking from the tee was largely dependable until a crucial missed conversion after Kemeny’s score left Northampton more than a converted try behind.

9 Archie McParland – 6
Struggled to give Northampton the tempo they needed against Bristol’s organised defence. Carried five times and beat a defender but was replaced by Mitchell after 53 minutes, with Saints noticeably accelerating once the England scrum-half entered the contest.

1 Emmanuel Iyogun – 6
An industrious 49-minute shift before Fischetti replaced him. Carried seven times and completed nine tackles, providing Northampton with a stable presence at loosehead during a relatively even opening half.

2 Curtis Langdon – 5
Worked hard around the field, making 10 tackles and beating two defenders from his five carries, but Northampton’s lineout operated at only 82 per cent during his time on the field. Was also penalised for taking Oghre out off the ball in the move where Coles went over.

3 Cleopas Kundiona – 6
Completed 13 tackles in a busy defensive performance and initially left the field shortly after the interval before returning late when Pollock departed. Offered Northampton plenty of work around the park without having a major influence on the contest.

4 Alex Coles – 7
Almost scored after Pollock’s break and offload, only for an outstanding intervention from Rees-Zammit to possibly dislodge the ball over the line. Made a line break and 12 tackles, although two penalties conceded prevented him building on those positive contributions.

5 Ed Prowse – 7
One of Northampton’s most productive forwards. Finished with 16 completed tackles, second only to Pollock among Saints players, while carrying seven times and beating a defender. A strong individual showing despite Bristol ultimately winning the forward battle.

6 Josh Kemeny – 7
Produced a powerful finish for Northampton’s fourth try, wriggling his way through after Hutchinson’s wide pass. His 10 carries yielded five defenders beaten – joint-best for Northampton – and he remained a willing ball-carrier throughout despite Bristol’s defensive pressure.

7 Josh Taylor – 6
A busy outing before being replaced shortly after half-time. Carried seven times and made eight tackles during his 49 minutes, contributing plenty of energy without producing the defining breakdown moments that Bristol managed at the other end.

8 Henry Pollock – 7
Involved in a lot – good and bad. His one-handed collection during a clever loop helped create Hendy’s opening try, while he later won a huge turnover penalty inches from his own line and broke clear to release Coles. Led the match with 16 carries and 20 tackles, but three penalties conceded – including a needless infringement in his own 22 – prevented a higher mark.

Replacements – 7
Alex Mitchell was comfortably the standout, immediately increasing Northampton’s tempo, scoring a try and forcing another yellow-card opportunity from a quick tap. James Pater also chipped in with a thunderous 50:22, but there were some poor performances from the bench too, with Ion Neculai yellow-carded late on.