Alex Mitchell provided an injury worry for England ahead of the Nations Championship as the scrum-half was forced off during Northampton's 28-14 win against Gloucester on Saturday evening. Mitchell had to come off with just 21 minutes played, walking down the Franklin's Gardens tunnel to be replaced by 20-year-old Jonny Weimann. That will be a concern for England boss Steve Borthwick ahead of the game against Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham next weekend, but Northampton did not let their loss stop them from defeating in-form Gloucester.
The Cherry and Whites, who had started the Prem weekend sitting top of the table, had come flying out of the blocks, taking a 14-0 lead. But title holders Northampton showed their champion class as they bounced back to bag a bonus-point success on home soil. Bath returned to winning ways with a comfortable 38-26 bonus-point victory against Sale Sharks at the Rec.
After a number of disappointing outings, the hosts showed much-improved form with some inventive play creating a number of tries with their first triumph in three games. Joe Cokanasiga scored two of them, Henry Arundell, Tom de Glanville and Louie Hennessey the others, with Finn Russell converting four and adding a penalty. Nathan Jibulu, Tom O'Flaherty, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Elia Canakaivata scored Sale's tries, all of which George Ford converted.
Harlequins made it back-to-back Prem Rugby wins with a 31-28 triumph over Exeter at Sandy Park. Quins demonstrated their much-improved recent form with a win they arguably deserved, while last season's beaten finalists Chiefs end the opening block of five league fixtures lying second from bottom of the table. Lucas Schmid scored two of Harlequins' five tries while a late score from Olly Woodburn rescued two bonus points for Exeter, who had led 21-14 early in the second half.
Noah Caluori proved he is in exhilarating form and ready to help lead England's attack in the coming Nations Championships matches by producing an stunning display in Saracens' 39-31 victory over Newcastle. The electric youngster came on after the break to lift what had been a lacklustre and flat home performance by racing over for a score as Sarries ran in five second-half tries to finally get the better of visitors who had threatened an upset. Caluori, 21, who made his England debut against Fiji in the Summer, is the most exciting wing prospect in the Prem and showed just why with his pace and strength.
But Sarries certainly needed his spark and energy having trailed 17-7 at the break with Red Bulls on top and looking dangerous despite giving up nine first-half penalties.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
