Under the guidance of former Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan, leaders Bath crushed Newcastle to secure the top seeding in the Premiership playoffs.

Bath’s eight tries on Saturday secured a 55-19 triumph and 13th win in 15 matches, taking their points difference to an unassailable 238.

“We have put ourselves in a position where I can use the squad. This is all about us. We can’t control what the other teams do. We’ve put our destiny in our own hands,” Van Graan said.

“We’ve played 35 games across all competitions, including warm-up games and friendlies. You will see squad players getting opportunities over the next few weeks, as we have done all season. Strategically we will do what’s best for us.

“There’s no point talking about Twickenham,” the Bath head of rugby added. “We’ve got to win that home semi-final on the weekend of June 7-8 to get there.”

Northampton produced a blistering display as they warmed up for their European Champions Cup semi-final with a 48-31 demolition of Bristol.

The Saints scored seven tries to ensure they head to Dublin to face Leinster next Saturday on a high.

Bristol have now suffered three successive league defeats, leaving their top-four hopes in the balance.

Adam Radwan grabbed hat-trick of tries as second-placed Leicester cruised to a 40-7 victory over Harlequins and improved their hopes of a home playoff.

Ollie Hassell-Collins crossed over twice as Leicester all but ended eighth-placed Harlequins’ hopes of making the top four.

Harlequins had wing Cameron Anderson sent off after he twice took Freddie Steward out in the air with dangerous hits.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images