Newcastle v Bristol predictions and rugby union tips: Bears can stay perfect

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Newcastle Falcons v Bristol Bears in the Premiership on Friday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Bristol to win by one to 12 points
1pt 17-10 Betfred, BoyleSports

Friday's betting preview

Bristol Bears have emerged from a year-long hibernation in style and the Premiership table-toppers are fancied to maintain their 100 per cent record at the expense of basement boys Newcastle.

Having ended 2020-21 top of the regular-season standings, last term’s tenth-place finish was a major disappointment for Bristol - one which they are working hard to forget.

The additions of Ellis Genge and AJ MacGinty, coupled with the return to form of Charles Piutau, have galvanised the Bears, who have roared to three opening successes. Albeit, bookmakers don't fully believe they are serious contenders just yet.

The announcement of Bristol’s team, which sees Genge and Piutau rested, saw them cut from seven to four-point favourites on the handicap for Friday's clash, despite Newcastle's wretched start.

The Falcons have lost all three of their games this term and were soundly beaten 39-5 by Worcester last week, while they’ve lost ten in a row at home in all competitions.

A response is expected after their Worcester debacle and the inclusion of Argentinian duo Matias Orlando and Matias Moroni in midfield should make Newcastle more competitive, but Bristol are full of confidence right now and the Bears' added quality should tell.

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