DAN’S THE MAN IN BEARS DRIVE
CARMARTHENSHIRE ace Dan Thomas has been hailed as the cement among the superstars following his latest impressive effort for Bristol.
The openside flanker was named man of the match after an all-action try-scoring display in the 27-19 Gallagher Premiership victory at Harlequins.
He was into everything during the Boxing Day clash. He made eight carries for 50 metres, put in 17 tackles and shone with his link play and breakdown work.
Then there was his try just before half-time, an attack he launched and finished off.
He put Stephen Luatua into a hole with an astute inside pass and then supported his fellow back-rower on the outside to take a return pass, showing good pace to make the corner despite the covering of Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith.
That cut the half-time deficit to 9-5 and Thomas was then instrumental as Bristol took charge after the break to go second in the league table.
The man-of-the-match award was chosen by former England winger Ugo Monye, who was commentating for BT Sport.
“I went through the stats of Dan Thomas. You talk about the unseen work and he does so much of that,” he said.
“And in a team full of superstars, I think you need a little bit of that cement within the team.”
Compared to club colleagues such as Semi Radradra, Kyle Sinckler, All Blacks Luatua, Charles Piutau and John Afoa, plus new Wales fly-half Callum Sheedy, Thomas isn’t so much of a household name and a bit of an unsung hero.
But he’s hugely valued by Bristol team-mates, coaches and fans alike, having been a consistent performer since arriving from Gloucester in 2017. He is someone who very seldom has a poor game.
His efforts have also been noted by
Welsh supporters who follow the English Premiership, with some wondering whether he may be close to international recognition.
Clearly, Justin Tipuric is firmly established as the first-choice openside in Wayne Pivac’s team, with the versatile Josh Navidi able to slot in there as well when back to fitness.
But Thomas is making a strong case to vie with the likes of James Botham, Josh Macleod, Ollie Griffiths and James Davies for a squad spot.
He has already worn the red of Wales, having been part of the under20s side who famously beat New Zealand at the 2012 World Championship and then reached the final the following year.
The man from farming stock in Carmarthen has had to go through a few setbacks along the way, being released by the Scarlets in 2014 and then spending three years at
Gloucester where first-team chances were again limited, before his career took off with Bristol.
He has had the gauntlet thrown down to him somewhat of late with England back-rower Ben Earl coming on loan from Saracens, but he is responding well to the challenge. Speaking after receiving his man-of-thematch award, Thomas revealed that coach Pat Lam (circled, left) had delivered some strong words with the visitors trailing to Quins at the break. “Basically he showed us the door at half-time,” said the 27-year-old, sporting a cut to his right eye.
“It was either get out now or get back on the pitch and do a job. The first half we gave a lot of silly penalties away.
“We knew second half if we could keep ball and play to our strength the points would come.”