Preview: Bears look to bounce back against unbeaten Warriors at Ashton Gate
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The third game of the round sees Bristol Bears hosting Worcester Warriors at Ashton Gate.
Bristol came off second-best in something of a grudge match last weekend, the final whistle sounding with just three points separating them and Wasps. Bears would not have forgotten the defeat they suffered against Lee Blackett’s men in the semi-finals of the 2019-20 instalment and revenge would have been in the minds.
It looked as though Bristol would actually take the game after Siale Piutau dived over in the 75th minute but Tom Willis broke the Bears’ hearts as he cantered in with two minutes left on the clock to seal a hard-fought victory for Wasps.
Worcester, on the other hand, kicked their 2020-21 campaign off with a win (albeit a narrow one) over London Irish at Sixways. Warriors were made to work hard for their victory, scoring their first and only try in the 65th minute to take the one-point lead onto which they hung until the final whistle.
All things considered, it is difficult to picture Bristol losing this encounter; they will enjoy the familiar surroundings of their home turf and have a pack of forwards which looks set to do some damage this season. In the backs, the exciting midfield pairing of Piutau and Alapati Leiua form a formidable unit. Worcester are, however, guaranteed to put up a brave fight and may have it within themselves to pull off an upset.
Alan Solomons’ charges are due a victory against this particular foe after losing to them twice last season, but it is expected that Bristol will prevail once again this weekend.
