Bears a major scalp now, says Lam
BRISTOL boss Pat Lam has urged his players to thrive as the hunted knowing his Gallagher Premiership pacesetters have become a prized scalp.
The Bears are sitting comfortably at the summit of the table and are odds-on favourites to cement their lead when they travel to struggling Worcester, who have not won on the field since November 21.
Bristol began making waves last season when they won the Challenge Cup and mounted a strong bid for the Premiership title, and Lam insists they must now get used to being in the crosshairs of their rivals.
“There are players in our group that have always been the hunters and now we are the hunted. It’s about coping with that. There are small margins for error when you are the hunted,” said the former Newcastle Falcons star.
“Every opposition you come up against is a challenge and presents different challenges.
“Whether you are playing for a trophy or you are playing for points, it’s always a challenge. Anyone can beat anyone. If we are not at our best, we will pay the price.
“The table just gives you a guide of where you are travelling. It’s not about being top of the table midway, it’s about being there at the end, so we are on that journey.
“From this time last season, we’ve made some big progress and we continue to do so.
“It’s like when you climb a mountain. The halfway point is tough, but the next half of the journey is tougher.”
Exeter have lost ground on Bristol after falling to successive defeats by Northampton and Sale.
Last season’s runners-up Wasps face Gloucester at Kingsholm having won just once in five rounds.