Prem turns into a try machine as records tumble

English club rugby has opened the season with a try rush.

The Prem, England's top flight in rugby union, produced 52 tries in round one. That beat the previous record for an opening round despite fewer matches being played. Round two added another 41 tries, according to The Guardian.

For anyone new to the sport, a try is worth five points and is scored by grounding the ball over the opposition goal-line. It is the main way teams build a score. The numbers are startling. They point to fast, open games with the ball in play for long spells.

On 8 October, The Guardian described the English club game as creeping closer towards basketball. The phrase captures that end-to-end feel. Teams are trading scores quickly rather than grinding out points through kicks at goal.

Bristol provided the clearest example. They scored six tries against Northampton in a match that contained 10 tries in total. Four for Northampton, six for Bristol. Ten tries in one game.

Sale found a different way to win. They beat Saracens in round two after losing Jacques Vermeulen to a red card in the 20th minute. A red card means a player is sent off for good and his team plays short, in this case with 14 men instead of 15 for an hour. The match also saw Courtney Lawes return to the Prem with Sale after two seasons in France.

Elsewhere in round two, Leicester defeated Newcastle. No extra frills were needed there. Just another win in a weekend full of points.

For fans, this means early-season rugby worth staying up for. Defences look stretched. Attackers have space. Expect tired legs late on, when gaps open and replacements add pace.