Bristol, who had scrum-half Shaun Perry back in the squad for the first time this season after recovering from shoulder surgery, responded through their forwards, number eight Ward-Smith scoring from close range after a trademark drive from the pack.

BBC: Bristol 14-13 Northampton

What we wanted to do was be close coming down the stretch and be able to pack the zone.

WSJ: DePaul loses 78-57 to No. 17 Syracuse

Agen ended the half on the up as some powerful play from their pack saw Miquel reduce the gap with a close-range penalty.

BBC: SPORT | Rugby Union | My Club | Leinster | Leinster 26-10 Agen

The red rose pack found some momentum as the first half drew to a close, their tight forwards finally making some inroads.

BBC: England 14-28 Australia

Falcons reshuffled their pack but Leeds could not find a way through as sustained pressure close to Newcastle's line ended with Mike MacDonald losing the ball to Micky Young as he tried to bustle over.

BBC: Leeds 5-22 Newcastle

But the hosts used their pack to good advantage and drove to within touching distance of the Bath line and forced a close-range scrum.

BBC: Cardiff Blues 24-18 Bath