Bristol will be happy. No one else will. Neutrals, alas, will be the most upset of all by this, traumatised even. There was a good try, scored by Semi Radradra, whose introduction on the hour was less a tactical masterstroke, more a humanitarian gesture to those watching, so dreadful had the action been up till then. But when the final whistle sounded the crowd awoke to the news that Bristol had snuck a first win here since 2017.
Radradra’s try means they will take a one-point lead back to Ashton Gate on Friday for the second leg. Rarely had a full-time whistle been yearned for more keenly, but it actually meant only half-time in the tie. That was perhaps the most depressing thing of all.
