Tigers will be a great challenge for us, says Lam

BRISTOL Bears go into today’s home game against big-hitters Leicester Tigers knowing that a defeat could leave them at the foot of the Gallagher Premiership by this evening.

The Bears start the day in 11th place in the table, with bottom side Newcastle Falcons just two points below them. Victory, however, could see the Bears gain places.

The Falcons have an away game at Northampton Saints today.

Leicester, meanwhile, are having a disappointing season for a club of their stature, having sacked head coach Matt O’Connor after a heavy defeat on the opening day of the campaign.

Since then, club legend Geordan Murphy has been promoted to the hot seat as interim head coach, but the club find themselves in sixth place in the league.

Bears head coach Pat Lam said: “It’s another good crowd expected, and we love being at home, but we understand the challenge we face.

“If you look at the Premiership table from fifth down to 12th, you’ve got eight or nine points covering those teams. Everyone can see the value of the points. Leicester have got the history, they’ve got the reputation. When you look at them at this time of year, their whole game is based traditionally around physicality. So, that’s a great challenge for us.

“The week we’re having is crucial so that we go into that game with a lot of confidence.”

Leicester’s Ellis Genge, pictured, is back from injury and will face his old club this afternoon.