Bristol Bears defeated Sale Sharks 10-9 in a cagey affair with Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium today, giving the South West side a tenuous advantage heading into the second leg of their round-of-16 clash at Ashton Gate next week.
An all-important try from Semi Radradra proved enough to get his side over the line, in what could be a crucial game when reflecting on the season in a couple of months.
With the scores for all intents and purposes level, we are set for a winner-takes-all affair next weekend.
Rugby reporter Nathan Russell gives his verdict on what was a tense clash at the AJ Bell this afternoon.
15. Luke Morahan – 7
There were justifiably some question with the Australian being named at 15 ahead of Charles Piutau, but they were somewhat muted with a good performance in what was tricky game for Morahan to weather today.
Morahan excelled under the high ball and was named the official man of the match after beating four defenders and making 88m in attack.
14. Jack Bates – 6
Playing in the biggest game of his career, it was perhaps a little harsh for him to be replaced at half-time because he certainly made some welcome contributions during his 40 minutes of rugby.
The 20-year-old made some great metres in a cagey game.
13. Piers O’Conor – 7
Led the backline in tackles in what looked like a vastly improved defensive organisation. Sale struggled to poke holes today, and not for lack of trying.
After a couple of sloppy passes and dropped balls he responded brilliantly by putting in a great pass in a move straight off the training ground to put Semi Radradra through a gap for the only try of the game.
A good turnover to his name as well.
12. Sam Bedlow – 6
It was a defensive day for the midfield, who particularly delivered repeatedly in defence throughout that second half.
Made a nice play forcing Arron Reed into touch, using the line as another defender.
Overshadowed by his replacement but picked out for praise post match by Pat Lam.
11. Alapati Leiua – 8
Despite limited opportunities with the ball in hand given the nervy nature of the game, he made some critical contributions to Bristol’s game today.
Sale made an electric start but the winger put it to bed with a try-saving tackle on Arron Reed, later in the half he rode three tackles to maintain possession to allow teammates to clear out Sale’s breakdown threats. May seem small in the grand scheme of things, but in a game this tight those moments are crucial.
10. Callum Sheedy – 7
Not a typical Sheedy-esque performance, but provided solidity when his side needed it in a game that most definitely was not custom made for him. There were still flashes of his attacking prowess with a wonderful cross-field kick pass to Jack Bates a highlight moment.
A good link-up with O’Conor to perfectly set-up Radradra’s score.
A clutch turnover on his side’s 5 metre line just prior to the try put a threatening Sale attack to a halt as well.
9. Harry Randall – 5
Despite some good metres and offloads to his name, it most definitely was not the England international’s finest day by any stretch of the imagination.
Could not quite unlock the Sale defence, with a lot of box kicking limiting attacking opportunities.
A loose pass flying into touch summed up his game today, expect a furious return to play in the rematch – he is better than this.
1. Jake Woolmore – 6
Scrum looked solid throughout his minutes on the pitch and we was busy in the tight confines to go toe-to-toe with Sales' big pack.
2. Bryan Byrne – 5
The lineout struggled due to both numerous overthrows and steals from the outstanding Sale jumpers.
Outperformed by his replacement but incredibly physical in the loose during his time on the pitch.
3. Kyle Sinckler – 6
A good return to play as the England international started in that Bristol 3 shirt for the first time since the Six Nations.
Trademark performance with some solid carries to his name, along with the traditional strength at scrum time but like too many of his team mates put in some loose passes.
4. Dave Attwood – 6
The soon-to-be Bath lock made his mark, making good metres with the limited carries he had on offer.
Harshly penalised for some outstanding work countering the Sale catch and drive.
5. Joe Joyce - 7
Continues to captain the side with confidence, as his leadership was needed throughout what was at times a cautious game of rugby.
Double figures in tackles demonstrate his defensive strength, with the lock giving it everything for all 80 minutes.
6. Chris Vui – 7
Despite some penalties to his name, the forward was a steadfast carrier today, while more than pulling his weight on the defensive end. A tireless display.
Unlikely to be penalised for crawling with the ball after a stunning carry following an offload from Leiua allowed him to beat three Sale defenders.
7. Sam Jeffries – 7
Picked for his size and power, Jeffries was his side’s leader in tackles (15) in a supreme defensive performance, particularly in that second half.
A great display as he makes a stand for a more regular spot in that back row.
8. Nathan Hughes – 7
Back with a fairly spectacular bang.
Hughes continued where he left off from his loan at Bath with a great return to play for the former England international in a Bristol shirt.
Provided the traditional carries we have come to expect with 49m made from the 8, but it was his momentum altering shift on the defensive end that really impressed as he stopped Sale runners in their tracks.
Despite playing just under 60 minutes he nearly went for double figures in the tackling stat-line and led his side in turnovers with three. Clermont will have quite something in their hands next season but there is plenty still to play for in 2021/22 at Bristol.
Replacements:
16. Harry Thacker – 7
Outperformed the starter, with seven tackles to his name in just half an hour. The lineout appeared far better conducted with him on the pitch which will come as a personal morale booster after his struggles in that area last weekend against Saints.
17. Yann Thomas – 5
18. John Afoa – 6
19. Steven Luatua – 7
Great shift from the club captain as he was the stalwart of what looked like an expanded Bristol defence in the second half. Provided the leadership we have come to expect of him and came up with a crucial turnover in the breakdown as Sale attacked in the Bristol half.
20. Fitz Harding – 6
21. Andy Uren – 6
The scrum-half intercepted a pass and hared towards the trying but Aaron Reed did exceptionally well to haul him back in.
22. Semi Radradra – 8
Ran a perfect line off O’Conor to break the deadlock and at last give his side a deserved lead after some spirited defence. Certainly an impact player off the bench as tired bodies do not respond well to being ran into by the likes of Semi.
23. Charles Piutau – 7
Bristol’s attack looked instantly more threatening with him on the pitch. Did a great job riding tackles and creating space for supporting runners.
