Five things we learned from Premiership Round 13

Potent Pollock has the makings of a Lions bolter at No.8

This 20-year-old flanker is justifying the hype around him. Calls for him to go down under are getting louder and louder, but when he can hand off bonified internationals like Tom Curry and run rings around backs to score a contender of try of the season, they are getting increasingly harder for Andy Farrell to ignore. Flanker is a position with incredible depth, but aside from Caelan Doris, there aren't loads of choices at Farrell's disposal. If you want X-factor, he's your man.

Northampton's hopes of returning to Twickenham are over

It's been a dismal title defence for Northampton who have rued the losses of club stalwarts Courtney Lawes, Ethan Waller and Alex Waller. They haven't had the composure during crucial times this season, and a poor opening, riddled with ill-discipline, cost them on Friday night. 13 points is too much to overturn with just five games remaining.

Gloucester's deadly attack are scoring tries for fun

When you tune in to watch the league's entertainers you expect tries and plenty of them. It's rugby from the gods at times but even though defence certainly isn't their super strength, it's so enjoyable to watch. George Skivington's side have scored 23 tries in their last four games. Who needs Louis Rees-Zammit when you've got the likes of Christian Wade, Tomos Williams, Santiago Carreras and Seb Atkinson providing the flair.

Brilliant Bath look a class above the rest

It has been an almighty response from the heartbreak they suffered in the final last year. 11 wins and two losses, 10 points clear of second place and looking unstoppable with Finn Russell at the helm. They need just five points to beat last year's table toppers Northampton's tally (60) with five rounds still to play. They've illustrated their title credentials against tough opposition in recent weeks and can afford to rest key players ahead of the play-offs with Exeter and Newcastle up next.

Saracens' play-off bid back on track

Count the north Londoners out at your peril. With Maro Itoje looking like an influential leader and a crop of young talent coming through, Sarries have the tools to break into the top four. Their Tottenham defeat to Harlequins courtesy of a second half capitulation meant many favoured Leicester on Sunday but Mark McCall's men rose to the occasion and ran out deserved victors in the East Midlands. They overtook Quins and trail the top four by just two points heading into the European break.