Bristol Bears extended their impressive run in the Gallagher Premiership with a dramatic 19–17 victory over Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate, a result that once again underlined the fine margins that often define elite rugby on the road to events such as the Rugby World Cup 2027. A late converted try from Kalaveti Ravouvou proved decisive in a tense, high-quality contest that ebbed and flowed until the final whistle.
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The Bears crossed for three tries to Sale’s two, with Joe Owen and Matias Moroni also touching down for the home side. Tom Jordan and James Williams shared the kicking duties, each adding a conversion, with Williams’ successful kick after Ravouvou’s late score ultimately sealing the outcome. Sale responded through tries from Tom O’Flaherty and Ernest van Rhyn.
George Ford converted both and added a penalty to keep his side in contention. Sale’s evening was disrupted early when winger Alex Wills failed a head injury assessment following a high challenge from Bristol No 8 Viliame Mata. Gus Warr was introduced at scrum-half, forcing Raffi Quirke to move to the wing and unsettling the Sharks’ backline structure from the outset.
An issue that can prove costly at the highest level of competition, including Rugby World Cup 2027 campaigns. Bristol controlled much of the early possession, but it was Sale who struck first with their opening meaningful attack. A series of strong forward carries near the halfway drew defenders in, creating space out wide.
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Rugby World Cup: Ford Keeps Sale in Front
O’Flaherty took full advantage, racing 35 metres down the right touchline and beating Ravouvou for pace to score in the corner. Ford converted brilliantly from the touchline to give Sale a 7–0 lead after a fierce opening quarter. Ravouvou threatened a swift response, powering past O’Flaherty on a surging run deep into the Sale 22, but Bristol were unable to capitalise after conceding a breakdown penalty.
The Bears then suffered their own setbacks as prop Lovejoy Chawatama limped off injured before Louis Rees-Zammit also departed after failing a head injury assessment, adding to the disruption. Ford missed an opportunity to extend Sale’s lead when a drop-goal attempt went awry, and Bristol seized their chance just before half-time.
From sustained pressure close to the line, Owen forced his way over, bringing the sides level at the interval in a contest reflecting the intensity often seen on the road to a Rugby World Cup. Sale made a strong start to the second half and regained the lead four minutes after the restart. A well-organised line-out drive laid the foundation for van Rhyn to crash over.
Ford is converting before adding a straightforward penalty to stretch the visitors’ advantage. Bristol responded with the standout try of the match. Slick handling and sharp passing sent Moroni over in the corner, lifting the home crowd. Sale’s problems deepened when Quirke was forced off with a leg injury.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Late Gloucester Rally Falls Short
Moments later, Rekeiti Ma’asi-White was sin-binned for a deliberate offside as Moroni again threatened the defensive line. The numerical advantage proved decisive. James Williams cut through the defence, drawing defenders before releasing Ravouvou, who finished confidently in the corner. Williams converted to edge Bristol ahead, and despite late pressure from Sale.
The Bears held firm to secure another valuable victory as attention increasingly turns toward Rugby World Cup Final preparations. Elsewhere in the Premiership, Newcastle Falcons earned their first league win of the season with a hard-fought 25–19 success over Gloucester at Kingston Park, a result that offered hope to both sets of supporters dreaming of future Rugby World Cup involvement.
George McGuigan opened the scoring from a driving maul, with Brett Connon converting. Both sides were briefly reduced to 14 players after a midfield scuffle saw Jamie Hodgson and Arthur Clark sin-binned following a TMO review. Newcastle struck again soon after as Tom Christie powered over, although Connon missed the conversion.
Ollie Thorley responded for Gloucester, but Connon’s penalty gave Newcastle a 15–5 half-time lead. After the restart, Simon Benitez Cruz added another try for the hosts. Gloucester’s task became harder when Thorley received a 20-minute red card, allowing Connon to extend the lead.
Late tries from Mikey Austin and Ciaran Knight gave Gloucester hope, but Newcastle held on to secure a much-needed win, keeping their season alive with the long-term goal of reaching a future Rugby World Cup Final.
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