Lam well aware of the dangers facing Bristol from much-improved Gloucester
AN in-form and ever-improving Gloucester side will provide a “dangerous” challenge to the Bears, according to director of rugby Pat Lam ahead of tonight’s West Country derby (7.45pm).
Ashton Gate is set to welcome supporters back for the first time in 14 months, with 3,138 expected in BS3 – and Lam says the return of fans will provide a huge boost for his players, who sealed their play-off place with four rounds remaining by beating Bath at the Recreation Ground in round 18.
He said: “It’s exciting times. There is a focus on every game, so playing Gloucester heightens everything again, and the crowd coming in, albeit the beginning of a process to build the crowd back up, it’s exciting times.
“We understand it’s another derby with Gloucester and they will be dangerous. They had a great win (31-7 at Northampton), and they are improving every time under George (Skivington) and their new coaching regime.
“However, for us, I think the biggest focus is that every game is important, because when we took top spot in the table in round six, for us still to be there in round 19 is a huge effort, because we put an emphasis on us and on our journey, and we said the only reason we’ll get overtake is if we drop our standards.
“So, it would be a shame, with the position we are in with four games to go and an eight-point lead, to not get to the end as the team at the top, before we go into the semis.”
Lam praised his side’s mentality after they fought back from 15 points down to complete a second successive league double over Bath – and the Bears boss believes the experience will stand them in good stead come the business end of the season.
He said: “The outcome is extremely pleasing. To get a record score down at the Rec was massive and a real testament to the work done by everybody – and the way we did it.
“We knew what we needed to do, and we knew the opportunities were there. We gifted them two soft tries, but the calmness of the guys to work their way through it and keep at it, and it’s great when guys are saying ‘keep going and we’ll get there.’ For it turn out that way was pleasing and will hold us in good stead for what’s to come.”
» This article first appeared on www. bristolbearsrugby.com.