European Challenge Cup action returned to BS3 with the visit of Italian outfit Zebre Parma and it has allowed us to ask the question of what Bears supporters would deem to be a success this season.
Are you in the camp of finishing in the top half which would give us entry to the Champions Cup for next season or would you trade finishing outside to win the Challenge Cup?
Personally, I would put everything into getting our paws on silverware this season. This is a competition we won the last time we were competing in it and I will never forget the pride I felt when we downed Toulon on that historic night.
Although I am sure we will carry the fight on both fronts until the end, I believe winning a trophy will have a galvanising and regenerative effect on the whole squad, but with our key players returning should we be entitled to expect both?
As high as we aim to finish in the Premiership this season, I do feel we are entering into a period of transition in Bear country. Some of our top earners will be departing in the close season and we may see a malaise until some of the crop of young talent we have coming through the ranks will be Premiership ready. This time of year can be unsettling for many rugby players with contracts being organised, or not in certain circumstances.
As professional as the players are, this type of situation can undoubtedly have a negative effect in the dressing room. Mediation might not be his strong point but Pat Lam has to find a way to gel everything together in the current climate whilst also having one eye looking toward the future. Only time will tell if he will achieve this outcome successfully.
As the faithful said goodbye to one of our own with the departure of the Wizard of Oz, Luke Morahan, it was also fantastic to see another podcast favourite Tiff Eden back at Ashton Gate, although he played in the number 10 of Zebre we wished him all the best on his return, once a Bear always a Bear.
Wishing all our listeners a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Up The Bears!
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