Benhard Janse van Rensburg Doubles Up as Bristol Bears Surge into Premiership Top Four

Benhard Janse van Rensburg scores twice as Bristol Bears beat Newcastle 52-19 to move into the top four. However, multiple injuries cloud the victory at Kingston Park.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 4:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Janse van Rensburg Clinical in Bonus-Point Rout

South African powerhouse Benhard Janse van Rensburg spearheaded a ruthless offensive display, crossing the whitewash twice as Bristol dismantled a struggling Newcastle side. Janse van Rensburg was instrumental throughout the contest, not only securing his own brace but also acting as a primary playmaker to tee up scores for Matias Moroni and Noah Heward. His physical presence in the midfield repeatedly breached the Falcons' defensive line, ensuring Bristol maintained a high-tempo attack that the league’s bottom-ranked side could not contain. The victory moves the Bears one point ahead of Exeter Chiefs in the race for the playoffs, though Exeter holds a game in hand.

Costly Victory as Injuries Mount for Pat Lam

The emphatic scoreline came at a heavy physical price for the visitors, who suffered a string of injuries from the opening whistle. Lock Joe Batley was forced to withdraw minutes before kick-off, followed by fullback Rich Lane, who tweaked a hamstring while scoring the game’s opening try. The medical crisis deepened as hooker Gabriel Oghre, Number 8 Benjamin Grondona, and winger Noah Heward all limped off at various stages of the match. While the depth of the squad was tested, with replacement Kalaveti Ravouvou scoring with his first touch, the accumulation of soft-tissue and impact injuries remains a major concern for director of rugby Pat Lam as the season reaches its climax.

Moroni Haunts Former Club at Kingston Park

Matias Moroni delivered a standout performance against his former employers, showcasing the "touch of class" that has made him a vital asset for the Bears. The Argentinian international was central to the game's opening highlight, executing a perfect chip-and-chase before flicking an instinctive pass inside to the ill-fated Rich Lane. Moroni eventually added his own name to the scoresheet early in the second half, finishing a slick move on the left flank. His tactical awareness and chemistry with Tom Jordan, who contributed a try and four conversions, ensured Newcastle were never allowed to build any sustained momentum despite a spirited second-half effort.