Russell stars as Premiership leaders Bath beat Sale

Finn Russell starred as English Premiership leaders Bath shattered Sale's unbeaten home record with a 32-23 win at Salford Stadium on Sunday.

Scotland fly-half Russell created two tries for Ruaridh McConnochie in the first half and also provided the assist for Tom Carr-Smith's clincher six minutes from fulltime.

Russell added 12 points with the boot in a dominant performance to delight Scotland coach Gregor Townsend ahead of the start of the Six Nations next weekend.

Townsend will have been less pleased to see flanker Josh Bayliss limp off late in the first half.

Wales prop WillGriff John will definitely miss the opening round of the Six Nations after the Sale tight-head went off during the first half with a concussion.

Kalaveti Ravouvou and Noah Heward scored two tries apiece as second-placed Bristol crushed Newcastle 55-35 to stayed in touch with Bath.

Ravouvou, Gabriel Oghre and Heward all touched down in the first 18 minutes at Ashton Gate.

Newcastle closed to within three points of the hosts until a late Bristol scoring burst.

Ravouvou and Heward added their second tries and there were also scores for Kieran Marmion, Viliame Mata and Deago Bailey.

Harry Byrne booted four conversions and a penalty, while Benhard Janse van Rensburg added two conversions.