Lam: I’ve not yet been able to pick my strongest XV
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Pat Lam, Bristol Bears' Director of Rugby looks on prior to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Bristol and Harlequins at Ashton Gate on March 27, 2021 in Bristol, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Bristol have three of the most exciting backs in the Premiership in Charles Piutau, Semi Radradra and Siva Naulago, but they have only started a match together twice.
The last time was at the beginning of last year but Bears' director of rugby Pat Lam hopes they will be reunited next month when centre Radradra and wing Naulago are both expected to return following injury.
“Since I have been here, I do not think I have ever been able to pick my strongest team,” said Lam. “They are all top class players, but it is about the team, not individuals.
“You can have all of the best players, but what matters is the team. It is frustrating not to have had them available at the same time for so long, and even more so for them.
“I was watching The Redeem Team last night. It was about the USA basketball team who were full of superstars but were beaten by Argentina and Lithuania in the 2004 Olympics. One of the Argentinians said after their semi-final win that while the Americans had the best players in the world, they were a team.
“Then Kobe Bryant came in and they put an emphasis on culture, leadership and the team. And they won gold at the next Olympics. There were some great messages and while it is always frustrating to be without top class players, it is why you have a squad. The next guy must step up.”
Lam said that even when players like Radradra and Naulago were injured, they still offered an example to the young players in the squad.
“In The Redeem Team, the players enjoyed a night out in Las Vegas and when they came back, they saw Bryant going to the gym at 4.30am. LeBron James said if that's what it takes, and joined him the following morning before training. The rest followed.
“It is what Charles and Semi did when they came here. They help grow the younger guys by their actions, and by their experience. It is a side people do not see.”
Lam will have to do without his England international Harry Randall for the next three or four months after the scrumhalf had surgery last week having torn his hamstring against Exeter.
“It is a loss for us but Andy Uren and Tom Whiteley have to step up,” said Lam. “I have always said injuries are an opportunity to improve and Harry will come back fighting fit.”
