Aviva Premiership: Weekend Stat Review

Stats from Round 16 of the Aviva Premiership.

Saracens ended their two-game losing streak with a win over Sale Sharks at Allianz Park.

Wasps re-established a six-point lead at the top of the table courtesy of a 35-22 win against Gloucester Rugby – with centre Jimmy Gopperth scoring an impressive hat-trick. The centre scored 25 of his side’s points in an inspirational display, while Willie Le Roux and Christian Wade also crossed.

Wasps are six points clear of Exeter Chiefs, who moved ahead of defending champions Saracens with a 36-14 win against Newcastle Falcons. 

Elsewhere, Leicester Tigers continued their impressive renaissance as they became the first Aviva Premiership Rugby side this season to win at Harlequins. Northampton Saints came from behind to beat Worcester Warriors at Franklin’s Gardens in the weekend’s other match as England international Teimana Harrison scored a crucial try.

Gavin Henson scored all 12 of his side’s points in the narrow win for Bristol against rivals Bath, which moves Mark Tainton’s side to within two points of the Warriors. The Welshman now has his eyes firmly set on a crunch clash with Worcester Warriors this week.

Metres made:
Vereniki Goneva (Newcastle Falcons) 178
James Short (Exeter Chiefs) 173
Phil Dollman (Exeter Chiefs) 133

Tackles made:
Brad Barritt (Saracens) 23
Thomas Waldrom (Exeter Chiefs) 21
Sam Lewis (Worcester Warriors) 19

Breaks:
Vereniki Goneva (Newcastle Falcons) 4
Chris Ashton (Saracens) 3
Willie Le Roux (Wasps) 3

Carries:
Jordan Crane (Bristol Rugby) 18
Vereniki Goneva (Newcastle Falcons) 18
Phil Dollman (Exeter Chiefs) 18

Defenders beaten:
Sinoti Sinoti (Newcastle Falcons) 9
Tom Marshall (Gloucester Rugby)  8
Christian Wade (Wasps) 8