Bristol Fijians shine for Bears
Fijians playing for the Bristol Bears continue to impress in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby competition.
Led by Flying Fijians captain Semi Radradra, flyer Siva Naulago and former England No.8 Nathan Hughes, the side scored a 29-14 bonus win over Newcastle Falcons yesterday.
According to the Bristol Bears Rugby, both Naulago and Radradra were rated seven out of 10 for their effort while Hughes was rated eight for a match-winning performance. In his first start for the Bears Naulago scored his first try in 43 seconds after first five eighth Callum Sheedy made an intercept
Like Charles Piutau, Naulago looked a threat with ball-in hand and he also stood up defensively when called upon. He could have had a second try after the break if Steven Luatua’s pass to release him hadn’t gone forward.
Radradra:
In a game where the Bears’ freeflowing backs play was mostly stifled, Radradra still managed to make metres in attack and causing the Newcastle defence problems. The Fijian was also impressive in defence, winning his side two turnovers as well as some strong hits, including on George Wacokecoke which made the Falcons’ centre wince.
Hughes:
It’s safe to say that Nathan has resoundingly answered his critics in recent weeks, putting in another outstanding performance in both attack and defence.
Hughes seemed to be everywhere across the pitch, making a total of 7 tackles without missing one and also used his power to influence his sides’ defence at the maul.
The No.8 crossed the try-line twice, but unfortunately just one was awarded after the ‘try of the season’ was correctly disallowed for a forward pass, but the try he did scored shows just exactly why the Bears have him in their side.
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Director of Rugby Pat Lam praised his side’s ‘massive defensive effort’ after they weathered a first-half storm to earn bonus-point victory. Naulago and George Kloska grabbed their first Bears tries to go with scores from Hughes and the returning Charles Piutau
“I am happy if not satisfied,” he said. “They [Newcastle] are a tough team and we were never safe. It took a massive defensive effort. “It’s been a challenging week and people probably don’t realise how wet it was here today. It was a massive effort from the boys, but our discipline in the first half was poor, which allowed them to come into the game.
“But it was a huge defensive shift to hold them out. They were physical and it was good to get the five points.
“I have to give a massive credit to Peter McCabe, George Kloska and Jake Armstrong. They put a shift in for the team.
“Kyle (Sinckler) came in late on so the game could go ahead, and he showed his class. I can’t speak highly enough of him.
“He was supposed to be on a break, but he came in as we needed a front row. We’ve got things to fix and we need to because our next game is Exeter.”