Is Prem rugby union turning into basketball? Nailbiters supply case for defence

The English Premiership rugby union season opened with a record 52 tries in round one, surpassing the previous round-one record despite fewer matches being played, sparking comparisons to basketball. Round two saw 41 tries, a still-high figure but one that suggested defences had reasserted themselves in certain matches. Key results included Sale defeating Saracens in a tight contest, Leicester beating Newcastle, and Bristol scoring six tries against Northampton while being credited for their defensive performance.