Henry Pollock and Ellis Genge in HEATED scrap during Prem clash

Winger George Hendy starred in the rout with four tries, opening the scoring in the third minute before adding the final touch in the dying seconds of a record-breaking encounter.

Saints were relentless from the outset, tearing through Bristol’s defence at will and piling up nine first-half tries to storm into an astonishing 61-14 lead by the break. Even with the game effectively over, Northampton continued the onslaught after half-time, adding another five tries to complete one of the most ruthless attacking displays Premiership Rugby has ever seen.

The defeat is a crushing blow to Bristol’s play-off ambitions, leaving them four points adrift of fourth-placed Exeter Chiefs, who face Harlequins on Saturday. Bristol did at least salvage a consolation bonus point by crossing for five tries of their own.

The combined tally of 127 points made it the highest-scoring match in the history of English top-flight rugby union, surpassing the previous record set when Richmond defeated Bedford Blues 106-12 in 1999.

Throughout the contest, Genge cut an increasingly frustrated figure, with teenage sensation Henry Pollock appearing to be on the receiving end of his irritation on several occasions.

Fans were quick to react online:

“That’s a yellow to Genge surely” — 1,574 likes

“The no reaction from Pollock is class. What a difference a week makes.” — 837 likes

“Come on Genge — you’re better than that.”

“What did HP even do wrong here to warrant Genge’s reaction? He’ll get cited for that ?”

“Dreamland ?”

“Notice he’s not giving it the big un with Ellis”

“Big Ellis fan but he should have gone for 10.”

“Realist vs the pretender”

“Bristol should have stayed on the bus — and I’m a Bristol fan.”

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