Pat Lam full of praise for Bristol’s inexperienced front-row

David Skippers
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Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam praised his side’s young front-row after a 29-17 bonus-point win over Newcastle Falcons sent them into second place in the Premiership.

Lam had to field a front-row with little Premiership experience after the six forwards who played in those positions against Harlequins were deemed Covid-19 close contacts.

But the men who came in impressed, with young hooker George Kloska scoring in a man-of-the-match display on his first league start.

Siva Naulago, Charles Piutau and Nathan Hughes also scored for the Bears. Newcastle’s tries came from George Wacokecoke, Mark Wilson and Philip van der Walt.

Massive credit

Lam said: “It’s been a challenge, but I’m really pleased. I have to give a massive credit to Peter McCabe, George and Jake Armstrong. They put a shift in for the team.

“We had some young academy boys on the bench and even though they didn’t get on, it was invaluable experience for them to be with the team preparing for the game.”

Lam also hailed England prop Kyle Sinckler for his impact off the replacements bench. Sinckler was supposed to be rested for this game under England regulations, but had to be involved at the 11th hour.

“Kyle came in late on so the game could go ahead and he showed his class. I can’t speak highly enough of him,” added Lam. “He was supposed to be on a break, but he came in as we needed a front row. We’ve got things to fix and we need to because our next game is Exeter.”

Bristol went ahead after just 43 seconds when Callum Sheedy intercepted and raced clear before finding the electric Naulago in support.

Wacokecoke hit back for Newcastle before Piutau and Falcons captain Wilson exchanged scores before the break.

Bristol were being pushed hard and lost Dave Attwood to a yellow card when the lock illegally tried to stop a powerful Newcastle maul.

Number eight Hughes crashed over from a neat line-out move when the second half began and Sheedy carried on his perfect conversion record.

But Newcastle never went away and Van der Walt produced a replica of Wilson’s try when he scored from close range.

Kloska capped a day to remember with Bristol’s crucial bonus-point score and although Sheedy hit the post with the conversion, his late penalty made the game safe.

“Over the last few weeks we have lost several players to injury who are the spine of the team,” said Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards.

“When you go into a game like this against a tough team like Bristol, it has an impact. I thought the boys who came in did well – we just needed more accuracy.

“We have won five from seven this season and we are all about showing what we can do.

“You have to take your opportunities and that comes down to accuracy, but we’ve got a good pack and a back-line which can score tries.”

 

Bristol Pat Lam