mens
Gallagher-Prime Minister
Bristol Bears Player Ratings: Bristol Bears made it two wins from two in the Gallagher PREM with an impressive 41-26 victory over Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate on Saturday, producing a performance built as much on their defense and breakdown as their attacking ambition.
For two sides who went into the contest 94-33 last season, the first half hour was unusually draining, but Bristol eventually found openings. Louis Rees-Zammit was at the center of almost everything good they produced, while Pedro Rubiolo earned man of the match honors and Fitz Harding repeatedly frustrated the Saints at the breakdown.
15 Tom Jordan – 8
Another realized display from Scotland international, who was heavily involved in ten carries before returning for Bristol’s first try after the break. His score came from a well-timed shoulder tackle from James Williams after Rees-Zammit had initially broken Northampton.
14 Louis Rees-Zammit – 9
An outstanding performance. He made a monster 50:22 early, scored twice, made five line breaks and beat six defenders. His defensive intervention to take down Coles over the line was equally impressive (although the try was disallowed for other reasons), while his quick hands almost created a foul for Pepper before Freeman’s late intervention resulted in a penalty try. Northampton just couldn’t contain their pace.
13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg – 6
His afternoon was unfortunately cut short at half-time after he was knocked out as he raced off the line to stop Pollock. He finished seven contests and carried four times before his untimely departure.
12 James Williams – 7
A huge contributor in the defensive centre, whose 18 tackles were the most of any Bristol player. He also created Jordan’s try with a well-timed shoulder pass, beat three defenders and kicked important points, although several of his attempts hit the bar or flew wide.
11 Gabriel Ibitoye – 7
He didn’t accumulate the eye-popping numbers he often does, but he still made a decisive attacking contribution. His turn from the blind side of the scrum beautifully released Rees-Zammit for his second try. He also went through 11 tackles in a hard-working performance.
10 AJ MacGinty – 7
Relatively unassuming tackle in attack, but worked extremely hard without the ball, making 14 tackles. He almost made it a try in the first half with a cross-court shot for Jordan, only for Randall’s earlier shot to the rack to erase the score.
9 Harry Randall – 8
Excellent. His kicking eased the pressure on more than one occasion, starting with a smart clearance when Bristol were pegged back early on. He hit a sniper from the base of the ruck in a crucial attempt in the second half and made another great shot after a loose ball by Kloska. Three missed tackles were the only significant mistake and perhaps he could have done better to stop Josh Kemeny’s effort.
1 Jake Woolmore – 6
He produced plenty of defensive work with 15 tackles completed before departing after 56 minutes. The three penalties awarded, however, represented an unusually expensive discipline and lowered his rating.
2 Gabriel Oghre – 8
An extremely influential display. He finished off Bristol’s opening try, fired a quick pass that allowed Rees-Zammit to exploit the space for his first score, and was later cleared from a loose ball. Twelve tackles completed the performance in which he influenced the competition more than once.
3 Đorđe Kloska – 8
Another strong contribution from the Bristol die-hard. Seven tackles and nine tackles showed his industry, while his turnover inside his own 22 after Northampton began to build pressure was one of the more important defensive interventions of the afternoon.
4 Pedro Rubiolo – 9
Proclaimed man of the match and deservedly so. Carried 10 times, completed 14 tackles and provided consistent physicality in a Bristol pack that stood up impressively against Northampton. Three missed matches were a minor imperfection in an otherwise commanding outing.
5 Joe Batley – 7
Another significant defensive shift from the lock. Completed 14 tackles, won a turnover and was an important part of Bristol repeatedly slowing down Northampton and preventing Saints from generating the quick phase ball they thrive on.
6 Steven Luatua – 7
None of his flashier attacking performances, he carried just three times but contributed in areas Bristol needed him to. He won a turnover, provided his usual composure and helped the Bears frustrate Northampton in the opening 50 minutes.
7 Benjamin Grondon – 8
Relentless defensive performance. His 17 tackles were second only to Williams among Bristol players and helped support the Bears’ excellent work without the ball. Three missed matches dented the numbers a bit, but his work output was huge.
8 Fitz Harding – 8.5
Set the tone for the Bristol meltdown. He won a penalty on the ball after six minutes which led directly to Oghre’s first try and then repeated the trick in the 21st minute despite two Saints players trying to dislodge him. Added 10 carries and 13 tackles on two turnovers.
Substitutions – 8
Lovejoy Chawatama and Jimmy Halliwell were prominent in the run-time, while Max Pepper was an immediate threat in attack with two line breaks.
