Pat Lam has explained the tactical and practical reasons behind Bristol Bears leaving three of their superstars on the bench for today’s Heineken Champions Cup tie with Sale Sharks.
Bristol face Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell at lunchtime today in the first leg of home and away ties in the last 16 knockout rounds of Europe.
Director of rugby Pat Lam caused shock when his selection for the big game was announced on Friday, leaving marquee players Charles Piutau and Semi Radradra amongst the replacements along with captain and former All Black Steven Luatua.
Lam said: “We had a few disruptions earlier in the week with sickness but now everyone is good now. Our selection reflects that, but also against Saracens we did something similar and in this game it is about staying right in it until the 80th minute.
“You don’t win it today, you just get to half time in this tie before we head back to Ashton Gate.
Assistant coach Conor McPhillips added: “Tactically there are different ways you can play the game, players have different strengths and weaknesses.
“It is no secret this season that we have started well but not finished as well as we would like so there is a lot of experience on the bench.
“Today will only be the end of the first half of this tie so it is about how we want to play and keeping players fresh.
“It is probably going to be a tight game in the last 20-30 minutes so it is important to have these experienced guys on the pitch. They have all been in games like this before and that is important.”
