Doing the simple things well was key, says Lam
PAT Lam is ready for “a massive week” as Bristol bid for a place in this season’s European Challenge Cup final.
Bristol booked a last-four home clash against Bordeaux-Begles on Friday after destroying the Dragons 56-17 at Ashton Gate.
The Gallagher Premiership title contenders ran in seven tries, while fly-half Callum Sheedy kicked 21 points, and there were memorable individual scores from star centre Semi Radradra and England flanker Ben Earl.
Bristol have never previously reached a European final, but that prize is now tantalisingly close.
“Once we got control in the game by doing the simple things well, we put them under pressure,” Bristol rugby director Lam said.
“I challenged the players at halftime that I wanted them to keep the ball, and we were much better when we did that.
“Control comes from individuals getting their jobs done, and when that become as one, that’s when things click.
“It was a tough game. The score doesn’t reflect the effort of the Dragons, but we are through to the next stage of the competition and it is now a massive week for the club to try and reach the final.”
Earl delivered a powerful statement to watching England head coach Eddie Jones with two stunning first-half tries that continued his rich vein of form as the autumn Tests countdown continues.
And Fijian star Radradra was also too hot for the Dragons to handle, setting up both of Earl’s tries through audacious approach play and adding a 60-metre score of his own.
On Radradra’s display, Lam added: “You want to bring players into the Premiership like Semi.
“I appreciate his work off the ball, and of course we appreciate the
Semi Radrada attacks for Bristol during Friday’s European Challenge Cup win against the Dragons
X-factor, but it’s the selfless stuff for the team he does that makes it even more special.”
The Dragons held a 10-point lead early on after wing Ashton Hewitt touched down and Sam Davies kicked a conversion and penalty, but Earl’s opener stirred Bristol into a try blitz of three in six minutes.
No 8 Nathan Hughes claimed the first, then Earl added a quickfire double, before Radradra pounced and lock Chris Vui, substitutes Max Malins and Dan Thomas all crossed late on, while Rhodri Williams added another Dragons touchdown.