Northampton returned to the top of the Gallagher Prem table despite a disjointed display in a narrow 28-27 victory over battling bottom side Newcastle.
Henry Pollock has admitted to Sky Sports that "if I was a fan I'd boo me" but has ambitions to move into a "leadership role" with England within the next two years.
Harlequins defied their abysmal domestic form to stun La Rochelle 27-17 at Stade Marcel Deflandre and secure home advantage in the Champions Cup round of 16.
Northampton Saints were brought back down to earth after they suffered a 50-28 loss away to Champions Cup holders Bordeaux in a repeat of last season's final.
Bath lost a 26-point lead in an epic south-west derby only to snatch back victory in the most dramatic fashion in the closing seconds to beat Exeter 33-26, before Northampton Saints returned to the top of the Prem table.
Northampton stunned the Prem Rugby champions Bath with a devastating display of running rugby featuring a hat-trick of tries by freewheeling England back Tommy Freeman.
George Hendy's late try ensured a winning start for last season's beaten Investec Champions Cup finalists, Northampton Saints, as they saw off Pau 35-27.
Tommy Freeman ran in four tries as Northampton Saints fought back to defeat Saracens 43-31 in Gallagher Prem clash.
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