Lam blasts ‘crazy’ play-offs situation
Bears secure top-four spot – but will not establish opponents until Wednesday
BRISTOL Bears director of rugby Pat Lam hit out at Premiership Rugby’s decision to grant a postponement of Sale’s clash with Worcester after seeing his side take a place in next weekend’s play-offs.
The Bears brushed aside London Irish 36-7 to secure a bonus-point victory which, combined with Bath’s failure to beat Saracens, means that Bristol are now assured of a play-off berth along with Exeter and Wasps.
It remains to be seen who will claim the last remaining spot, though, after Sale’s match against Worcester was called off after a number of the Sharks squad tested positive for coronavirus.
That match will now be played on Wednesday, subject to stringent retesting, and a Sale win would see them replace Bath in the top four.
Bristol director of rugby Lam said: “The biggest shock was that were 19 positive tests in their camp, not just one or two, and that has to call into question the behaviour of the group.
“We have all made sacrifices in our life during this crisis and you would feel bad if you transmit this infection to your opponents so I have some sympathy for my former club, Northampton, who had to cancel their fixture with Gloucester.”
Lam added: “I should now be getting back on the bus to start preparing for our semi-final opponents, but I can’t do that until Wednesday as I don’t know who they will be.
“It’s crazy; none of us should be in this situation as a lot of clubs have been affected by this.”
Lam’s mood was undoubtedly tempered by his side’s qualification, which was not confirmed until news of Bath’s 17-17 draw at Saracens had come through with Bristol not securing their bonus-point target until four minutes were left.
The Bears boss continued: “We controlled the game well up until half-time, then for the 30 minutes afterwards, we did everything that we shouldn’t.
“I’m extremely proud as we’ve reached our target in just a threeyear period. Three years ago I was standing on Championship pitches but now we’ve reached a European final and a Premiership semi-final.”