Dowson

Northampton coach Phil Dowson was optimistic Mitchell would recover in time for the game on 1 February, saying he believed there was "nothing structural" to the injury and it was a soft-tissue problem similar to a "dead leg".

But, Phil Dowson's men proved relentless in attack and scored a deserved fourth try before the break as Hendy followed up a kick through by the inspired Smith.

It has been a difficult start to the defence of their domestic title but the challenge of the Champions Cup allowed for a refocus and director of rugby Phil Dowson handed 19-year-old Pollock his European debut.

Saints were missing many of their stars with boss Phil Dowson making 10 changes for the game, yet they still capitalised on an unusually out-of-sorts Bristol for much of the first half.

Saints' director of rugby Phil Dowson told BBC Radio Northampton said that there there was "no timeline" for the 27-year-old's comeback as they wait for him to respond to treatment.