5 Talking Points: "Attack is our DNA" says Lam after Bristol trounce Leicester 54-24
Today at 05:23 AM
Bristol Bears beat Leicester Tigers in scintillating fashion as they ran in eight tries to win 54-24 and go top of the Premiership.
Braces from Gabriel Oghre and Kalaveti Ravouvou with further tries from Bill Mata, Rich Lane, Gabriel Ibitoye and Benhard Janse van Rensburg ensured that the visitors would come away with a record breaking victory.
Leicester Tigers did take away one point from the match as Josh Bassett scored his side’s fourth try but it was a disappointing performance from Michael Cheika’s men.
Record breaking victory for Bears
Bristol scored the most points every against Leicester at Welford Road today with the Tigers having never conceded more points home or away in the Premiership before.
It was also Bristol’s tenth away win in a row. Right now, it is hard to look past Bristol as the favourite contenders for the Premiership title.
MacGinty off injured again
Bears flyhalf AJ MacGinty went off injured despite just recovering from a recent injury layoff. Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said, “He clunked his knee. It will be a big loss.”
Bristol have been suffering with a few injuries, most notably in the flyhalf department. Max Malins suffered an achilles rupture in training this week and now with MacGinty out again, Sam Worsley looks be Lam’s new first-choice ten.
Trouble for Tigers out wide
As much as Leicester were excellent in the opening minutes, they were brutally exposed out wide. All of Bristol’s attacks came around both wings and excellently manipulated the space to suit their gameplan.
All of Bristol’s backs were afforded a lot of space to utilise their strong running attack style. Gabriel Ibitoye continued his fine form and will surely be a part of England’s Six Nations squad.
Pat Lam said: “Attack is our DNA. It’s good to bounce back after the last two weeks…with brilliant off the ball work to create space.”
Benhard Janse van Rensburg for England?
Yet another incredible performance for the Bristol centre and one wonders if it is only a matter of time before we see him in an England shirt.
He qualifies for England in 2026 and could see himself fast-tracked straight into the international squad as soon as he is available.
The centres have been an area of contention for England with both Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade appearing to be ineffective. Janse van Rensburg could be Borthwick’s answer to his midfield issues.
Tigers look to bounce back against Quins
Leicester will face Harlequins at their annual Big Game after Christmas. In what is the biggest club rugby match in the world in terms of attendance and coverage, it would be a perfect way for Cheika to get back to winning ways after such a poor showing from his side.
With Quins struggling in the league, Tigers could well find themselves coming out as victors in this match. However, with the Twickenham roar behind their backs, Harlequins are a force to be reckoned with.
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