Bristol ran riot in a remarkable first half to secure their place in the Investec Champions Cup knockout phase with a 61-49 victory over the Bulls in Pool Four in Pretoria.
A late converted try from Kalaveti Ravouvou proved just enough for Bristol to maintain their winning run with a 19-17 victory as Sale lost on the road in the Gallagher Prem for a sixth consecutive game.
Wales back Louis Rees-Zammit has signed a long-term deal with Bristol, having joined the Bears for the 2025-26 season after ending his 18-month spell in the NFL.
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.
An astonishing start which saw Bath 28-0 ahead inside 19 minutes proved crucial as the Prem side saw off Munster 40-14 in their Champions Cup opener.
Leicester Tigers eked out a 36-35 win against Sale Sharks as Bath, Harlequins and Exeter all won by big scorelines in Saturday's Gallagher Prem action.
Gloucester slipped to a fourth successive Prem defeat of the season as west country rivals Bristol toppled them 49-34 at Kingsholm.
Finn Russell led Bath to a bonus-point 38-17 victory over Gloucester on his return to the team.