Bristol Bears v Sale Sharks: Bears seek change in fortunes
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Bristol head coach Pat Lam looks on during the warm up during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Newcastle Falcons and Bristol Bears at Kingston Park on October 16, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Tom Curry returns to the Sale Sharks starting line-up as they take on Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate in tonight’s 7:45 PM kick off.
Pat Lam‘s Bears have endured a poor start to the season, with just three wins from their opening 11 games leaving them in 12th on just 16 points.
Last year’s formidable attack led them to first place at the end of last year’s regular season but Lam’s attack is yet to kick into gear.
The Bears are the second lowest points scorers in the league – 212 points.
Bristol have been without star centre Semi Radradra for the majority of the campaign and Lam was dealt another blow when former All Black Charles Piutau was ruled out of tonight’s game through injury.
The Bears come into the game off the back of last week’s 19-13 loss away to Exeter Chiefs, which saw them secure a last gasp losing bonus point despite a below par display.
Luke Morahan replaces the injured Charles Piutau in the only change in the backs, while in the forwards Yann Thomas is replaced by Max Lahiff and John Hawkins is in for Nathan Hughes as part of a back row shuffle.
Lam told the club website: “This time of year, physicality is the big one and we’ve got to control the ball a lot better, because we spent a lot of time on defence on Saturday.
“We’re excited to be back in front of our supporters on a Friday night and are looking forward to another big game.”
Last season’s semi-finalists Sale have also had an underwhelming campaign lying in ninth on just 24 points but come into the game off the back of a big bonus point 26-18 win at home to Wasps.
Centre Luke James will play his 100th game in a Sale jersey, as Alex Sanderson makes just one change as Tom Curry replaces his brother Ben in the back row.
Sanderson told the cub website: “Bristol have a strong defence and a great kicking game, however they’ve still got ridiculous fire power in their back three and outside backs.
“So, we have to be aware of the dangers they possess and be prepared for a real battle.”
