Bristol Bears conceded avalanche of points at Franklin's Garden to lose 45-31 to Northampton Saints.
The Bears were cut open repeatedly as Saints, inspired by the half back play of Alex Mitchell and new signing Finn Smith, ran in six tries. Mitchell, who has been cruelly overlooked by England head coach Eddie Jones this Autumn, sparked a first-half try blitz by crossing twice in six minutes to change the complexity of the contest.
Wing Ollie Sleightholme and lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto followed suit before the break as Northampton secured a bonus point after just 32 minutes. Matt Proctor added a fifth touchdown early in the second period, with debutant fly-half Fin Smith kicking five conversions and a penalty as he impressed following his arrival from Worcester.
