The eagerly anticipated clash between Bristol Bears and Gloucester-Hartpury is imminent, and fans are preparing for an exhilarating Friday night showdown at Shaftesbury Park.
Gloucester-Hartpury has emerged victorious in eight of their last nine Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby matches against the Bears, including a winning streak of four away games, with their last triumph being a nail-biting 19-17 victory in February 2023.
On the other hand, Bristol Bears have proven to be a formidable opponent on their home turf, securing victories in each of their last four home games in the league. This sets the stage for an enthralling battle as both teams seek to outshine each other.
When examining game statistics, Gloucester-Hartpury has demonstrated dominance on the field, winning all nine of their Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby away matches since the beginning of last season. Their offensive prowess is evident, consistently scoring 40+ points in each of their last three away games. Conversely, Bristol Bears have also made an impact in the league, boasting the highest tackle success rate of any side this season at an impressive 89%.
In terms of ball carrying, both teams have displayed their strength, with Gloucester-Hartpury and Bristol Bears making more carries per game than any other side in the league. Additionally, Gloucester-Hartpury has gained more metres per game than any other team this season, highlighting their ability to make significant ground on the field.
Individual player performance has also been noteworthy, with Gloucester-Hartpury’s Sarah Beckett and Ellena Perry, as well as Bristol Bears’ Reneeqa Bonner, standing out for their exceptional contributions. Beckett and Perry have crossed the gainline from 80%+ of their carries, showcasing their impact in advancing the ball, while Bonner has also displayed commendable performance in this aspect.
As the countdown to the Friday night showdown continues, fans are eager to witness a thrilling display of skill and determination from both teams. The clash between Bristol Bears and Gloucester-Hartpury promises to be an electrifying event, and rugby enthusiasts are preparing for an unforgettable evening of intense competition.