Originally posted by TooTall1:

Mharr is quite correct and that is the reason that after Bonemass I never go anywhere without an Atgeir. That secondary attack just sweeps them all away while giving me time to find a place to get my back up against a wall. A wall is not really necessary, I just prefer all the attacks come from a semi-circle instead of getting a complete flanking.

Jamming yourself in among some rocks or trees is also better than nothing, nearby items with hit points will partially absorb the bites.