Always tough to triumph in France – Lam

PAT Lam insists Bristol Bears are fully-prepared for the challenge of tackling Bordeaux-Begles in their European Champions Cup last-16 tie tomorrow afternoon.

The Bears return to continental action against the side they beat in the semi-finals of last season’s European Challenge Cup.

Charles Piutau returns to the starting line-up as Lam makes six changes for the Stade ChabanDelmas clash, with Alapati Leiua coming into the midfield.

Wales international Callum Sheedy skippers the side in the absence of Steven Luatua (leg).

In the pack, Yann Thomas and Kyle Sinckler are included in the front row, while Joe Joyce and Nathan Hughes also come in.

Bristol also welcome Harry Randall back into the 23-man squad following an ankle injury.

The Bears are targeting a first Champions Cup quarter-final against the winner of the Racing 92 and Edinburgh tie, but Lam, pictured, knows the task that awaits them is a significant one.

“This is it, it’s knockout rugby, to progress to a possible home quarter-final at Ashton Gate, we need to get the job done,” he said.

“What Covid has done is focus you on planning and preparation and we’ve been here before and we know we have to charter a plane out, we’re in a hotel and will have to stay in a bubble – get in, get the job done and get back.

“We know the challenge we face away – it’s always tough away in France, certainly at Bordeaux. We know the type of team that they are and how dangerous they are – although we beat them in the Challenge Cup last season, we went to extra-time for that, and they know what we bring as well. It’s the Champions Cup.”

The director of rugby also hailed the Bears’ impressive Six Nations window, which saw them take 37 points out of a possible 45 to strengthen their hold at top spot in the Gallagher Premiership, culminating in last Saturday’s dramatic victory over Harlequins at Ashton Gate.

“I’m very pleased with what the boys have done,” added Lam. “The Six Nations window was a goal for the guys to try to get as many points as possible.”

Bristol Bears: C Piutau; L Morahan, S Radradra, A Leiua, H Purdy; C Sheedy (capt), A Uren; Y Thomas, B Byrne, K Sinckler, D Attwood, J Joyce, C Vui, D Thomas, N Hughes. Replacements: W Capon, M Lahiff, J Afoa, E Holmes, B Earl, H Randall, S Bedlow, P O’Conor.