2020-21 Premiership Rugby – Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears taking place? Sunday 21st March, 2021 – 15:00 (UK)
Where is Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears taking place? Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
Where can I get tickets for Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears? Check official club websites for information about purchasing tickets
What television channel is Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears on? BT Sport have the rights to televise Gallagher Premiership matches so it is worth checking their schedule
Where can I stream Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears? If televised on BT Sport, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE TEAM NEWS
Northampton Saints: 15 George Furbank, 14 Matt Proctor, 13 Fraser Dingwall, 12 Rory Hutchinson, 11 Tommy Freeman, 10 James Grayson, 9 Tom James, 8 Teimana Harrison, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Nick Isiekwe, 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Paul Hill, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Alex Waller (c)
Replacements: 16 Mike Haywood, 17 Nick Auterac, 18 Ehren Painter, 19 Alex Moon, 20 JJ Tonks, 21 Henry Taylor, 22 Piers Francis, 23 Harry Mallinder
Bristol: 15 Henry Purdy, 14 Niyi Adeolokun, 13 Piers O’Conor, 12 Alapati Leiua, 11 Siva Naulago, 10 Tiff Eden, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Dan Thomas, 6 Steven Luatua (c), 5 Chris Vui, 4 Joe Joyce, 3 John Afoa, 2 Bryan Byrne, 1 Yann Thomas
Replacements: 16 Will Capon, 17 Jake Woolmore, 18 Max Lahiff, 19 Ed Holmes, 20 Jake Heenan, 21 Tom Kessell, 22 Sam Bedlow, 23 Luke Morahan
THE PREDICTION
Northampton Saints were able to bounce back well in a promising season as they beat Sale Sharks 17-14 in a close, tight encounter last Saturday. The Saints moved within two points of their visitors with that result and they are well in the mix of a chasing pack behind the reigning champions Exeter Chiefs and current leaders Bristol Bears. The Bears travel to Northampton on the back of a five-match unbeaten streak in the Premiership after a hefty 37-20 victory at home to struggling Wasps last weekend and they will be confident of edging what should be a thrilling contest on Sunday. Bristol should be able to cover -4 away from home here but it could be worth opting for them to win a match that goes over 40 points as a slightly safer alternative.
