20 Question: Adrian Jarvis – Bristol fly-half
We were disappointed because we didn’t play well and that’s frustrating. But we still got a win on the road so we’ll take that and move on.
What’s going wrong at the moment at Bristol?
It’s little things like looking after the ball. We’re turning the ball over far too softly with offloads that are not necessarily on. It’s easily fixable but we don’t seem to do it.
Surely winning five of your first six games can’t be that bad?
It’s a good start, of course, but we just feel like we can play better and that’s the frustrating thing. We’re not winning as comfortably as we would like. Teams seems to raise their game against us but we have to deal with it and raise our game, too.
Big game against Yorkshire Carnegie today?
We’ll have to be a lot better to beat the leaders. They’ve had a great start to the season and they’re playing really well.
What do you expect from them?
They have a big pack to set the platform and they’re scoring tries, too, so we know we’re going to be tested all over the pitch.
Will it be very much about your own performance?
Yes, but we’re still analysing the opposition. In this league, every game is competitive and we can’t afford not to do our homework.
Are they a big rival for promotion?
Looking at their early season performances I think they will be in the mix. Hopefully we’ll be there, too.
Is there a feeling of ‘now or never’ at Bristol this season?
We want to win promotion at the start of every season and it’ll be the same this year. But we can’t look too far ahead. We’ve got to focus on improving and there are a lot of things we have to work on in order to make the play-offs before thinking about promotion.
Became Bristol’s record point-scorer last weekend too?
Yes! I knew I was levelled with Jason Strange on 706 points before the game. I started on the bench but when Gavin Henson got yellow carded and we got a penalty I thought I’d kick it to get the record.
Have you played with Jason?
No, I joined the club the summer he left. I’ve met him a few times and he’s a nice guy. He was a brilliant goal-kicker so I’m very pleased to have gone past such a player.
Can you reach 800 points?
I’ll have to oust Gav first. Hopefully, I’ll be around long enough to do it but we’ll see how it goes.
How’s your rivalry with Gavin?
It’s healthy. He’s kicked and played really well this season. I’d love to be starting but I’ll just focus on showing what I can do when I get off the bench to, maybe, change the coaches’ minds.
Started your career at Quins?
I was in the academy before becoming professional. I then moved on to Bristol for my first spell before going to Leeds, London Irish and returning to Bristol in 2012.
A Wellington College old boy, too?
I went to school there and we had a very good team. Tom Williams and Max Evans were in my year. James Haskell and Thom Evans were the year below while Kai Horstmann was a year above. Even now they’re still producing a lot of top-class players.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I’m currently looking to become director of rugby at a private school so that’s probably something I would have if I didn’t become professional.
Returning to Wellington College?
That’d be the dream but that’s a fairly competitive position.
Favourite cheat meal?
Curry. There’s a curry house just next to my house so I often get one after a game. Easy to phone from the ground and pick it up on my way back.
Three dinner guests?
Ricky Gervais, Michael McIntyre and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Best and worst banter at Bristol?
Kyle Trainor is the best hands down but the worst has to be one of the Welsh boys. I’ll go for Ian Evans.
Best and worst dressed?
Gav is the best but James Hall is the worst.
