Bristol’s 94-33 loss to Northampton is not a good look for Premier

When does too much testing become too many testing?

There was plenty to enjoy at the Northampton game. Record 94-33 Bristol demolition Friday night, but this was an embarrassing result for the Bears and not a good look for the league.

Attack is king in the game these days – whether by law, coaching, coaching or circumstance, or a combination of all of the above.

In international rugby, where matches are traditionally tight and tight, with tries scored by the bucketload, France’s last two Six Nations matches have been high-scoring thrillers that appeal to both casual and hardcore fans.

But points for it, well, lose the point. Tests are great, but the beauty of rugby union is the balance of all aspects of the game, including defence.

Many neutral fans – if not more – prefer a low-scoring contest where the score is in the balance, with 30 minutes to go if the score is settled – as it was in Paradise.

What’s even more unique about the Bristol speech is how much they ride on the game. This was not defined by a level of progress and decline.

On the other hand, in lower Newcastle 764 points have now been sent. In their 16 games, they are averaging just 50 points per game.

Next season can’t come soon enough for the Red Bulls, while the Bears need to beat their bitter rivals Bath in the next round to stay in the playoff hunt.