The mighty Bristol to do battle with Bath at Ashton Gate

Round 7 kicks off at Ashton Gate on Friday with Bristol Bears tackling Bath in the first Premiership encounter since 10 January.

Round 6 was kind to the Bears who managed to pull off a win against reigning champions Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park. Bristol’s growing reputation of being a second-half team was reinforced during their 20-7 victory as they came out all guns blazing in the second stanza after a tight first 40. They sent a strong message to the rest of the competition with that particular performance and many will be watching eagerly to see if they can carry that formidable momentum into the next round after the recent break.

Bath were on the losing side of a titanic struggle against Wasps at The Rec. in Round 6, the teams putting on a most entertaining display of rugby. Bath took an early lead and hung onto it until half-time. Wasps snatched the lead back in the second half’s infancy but surrendered it shortly thereafter. However, Lee Blackett’s charges rolled up their sleeves and the fight which ensued was too much for the home side to handle. Final score: 52-44.

9^th placed Bath will have to be at their best if they wish to topple Bristol this weekend, the latter’s exploits on the pitch have catapulted them to number 1 on the overall standings.

It was a close affair the last time they met – in Round 12 of the 2019-20 instalment – with Bristol emerging victorious 19-13.

Indications are that, this time around, things will not be a closely contested, unless Bath pull a rabbit out of the hat away from home.