We are the hunted – Lam

BRISTOL Bears boss Pat Lam has urged his players to thrive as the hunted knowing his Gallagher Premiership pacesetters have become a prized scalp, writes Duncan Bech.

The Bears are sitting comfortably at the summit of the standings 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,” Lam, pictured, said.

“It’s about coping with that. There are small margins for error when you are the hunted.

“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.”

Fitz Harding is set to make his full Premiership debut at Sixways today.

The exciting Academy talent is one of six changes to the side as Callum Sheedy returns following his Triple Crown-winning exploits on Wales duty last weekend.

Max Lahiff and Dave Attwood are back from injury to start, while Niyi Adeolokun comes into the backline.

Henry Purdy starts at full-back with Ioan Lloyd unavailable for selection.

Warriors captain Ted Hill returns to lead the side against Bristol.

The England flanker was a late withdrawal at Gloucester last week because of a stiff back, but he will resume his position against the league leaders.

Hill is one of three changes to the side, with Beck Cutting called up at hooker for his first Premiership start of the season, while Perry Humphreys comes in on the wing.

Bristol Bears: H Purdy; N Adeolokun, P O’Conor, A Leiua, S Naulago; C Sheedy, A Uren; J Woolmore, W Capon, M Lahiff, D Attwood, J Joyce, C Vui, F Harding, S Luatua (capt). Replacements: G Kloska, Y Thomas, J Afoa, E Holmes, J Heenan, T Kessell, T Eden, T Fricker.