Rugby Lam expects another tough battle for Bristol against Warriors
PAT Lam is expecting a typically physical encounter when Worcester Warriors visit Ashton Gate for tomorrow’s Gallagher Premiership clash.
The Bears suffered an agonising defeat at the hands of Wasps last weekend, with Tom Willis’ 79thminute try snatching the points at the Ricoh Arena – and the director of rugby says his side will learn their lessons from the loss.
“We were disappointed about last weekend, how we worked our way back into the game and got ourselves into the lead with 60-odd minutes played, and we had a pretty good review about how we should have closed that game out, so there’s some good learnings,” said Lam.
“But when I think about the group that was out there – and when I named that group against Sale and Wasps last season, we got completely hammered.
“So, it was great to see the growth of that group and I thought mentally and physically, the boys were outstanding. We really took it to them, but unfortunately, just tactically a couple of areas cost us the game.”
The Bears completed the league double over Worcester in 2019-20, including a first win at Sixways in more than 14 years, but Lam is expecting a testing tussle at Ashton Gate tomorrow.
“They are a team that we have struggled with in the past, and thankfully last season we won both games. But at our ground, it was only 13-10 and though we won by a bit more at Sixways, the final score didn’t reflect the physical nature of the game.
“Solly (Alan Solomons) is a fantastic coach and he always gets them pumped for us and we’re expecting a pretty physical contest again.
“Our focus is building on last week and making sure we continue to grow.”
Nathan Hughes has urged the Bears to bounce back from the disappointment of last weekend’s defeat to Wasps.
The No 8 missed the Gallagher Premiership season opener at the Ricoh Arena through injury but has returned to full training ahead of the round-two clash.
He said: “In the Wasps game, we threw it away at the end, but during the game we created a lot of opportunities to score points - we came away with some points, but we
have reviewed it since, and the focus now is Worcester.
“Worcester are going to bring that physical challenge, so it’s about how we’re going to match it and how we are going to react from the loss at the weekend, and I think the boys are going to react really well.
“They are always a physical side and last season when we played them, it was two tough games. I think it was 13-9 at home and then another tough, physical game at
Sixways, so we’re expecting them to bring that same challenge.
“JT (Jonathan Thomas) was obviously here, and he’ll know the ins and outs of the way we play, but it’s about whether or not they can deal with it.
“Everyone is excited about going back home, and although we don’t have the crowd there, we know they are there in spirit and we want to keep Ashton Gate as fortress.”
This article first appeared on www.bristolbearsrugby.com.