Reigning champions Bath claimed a 31-26 bonus-point victory over Sale Sharks at the CorpAcq Stadium, running in five tries to Sale's four. The visitors, despite resting key players including Finn Russell, showed their championship credentials with tries from Dan Frost, Louie Hennessey, Ethan Staddon, Bernard van der Linde and Alfie Barbeary, with Santi Carreras converting three.

Sale Sharks were missing the Curry twins through injury but still produced an entertaining display with four tries. George Ford excelled for Sale, claiming three conversions while playing outside center after filling in at fly-half. Bath's decision to rest players came with next Saturday's Champions Cup reunion with Saracens in mind, yet they still managed to name 11 internationals in their matchday 23.

The victory lifts Bath to within a single point of Premiership leaders Northampton, strengthening their title credentials despite fielding an understrength side. Sale fought back from a 19-7 halftime deficit to level the scores at 26-26 before Barbeary's late try sealed the win for Bath, demonstrating the depth in Johann van Graan's squad as they continue their title defense.