Bristol poised for long-awaited revenge on Wasps
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Both the Bears and Wasps participated in 1-point games in the last round with Wasps on the losing side and Bristol, the winning. The two will kick Round 13 off with what should be a cracker at Ashton Gate.
Pat Lam’s charges were pushed very close by Worcester last weekend. Bears were ahead at the break but had their lead snatched out from under them in the early stages of the second half as Francois Venter dived over for Worcester to make the score 20-17. For the next 20 minutes, the only change to the score was another penalty to Worcester.
Bristol were not done, however, and Siva Naulago capped off a superb attacking performance with a hat-trick score, ultimately giving his team the victory.
Wasps were left feeling bitter after their narrow defeat to Gloucester in Round 12. It was a nail-biter of a game at the Ricoh Arena with Gloucester taking a comfortable lead in the first half before it was snatched back by Wasps in the second. Billy Twelvetrees won the match for the Cherry & Whites with a late penalty which brought the score to 20-19.
Bristol and Wasps have enjoyed an active rivalry in recent times, having crossed swords on three occasions during the 2019-20 instalment; Wasps managed to emerge victorious in all three of those encounters (26-21, 59-35 & 47-24). Then, in the current competition, they met again in Round 1 when Wasps snuck past their rivals 23-20. Thus, in light of four previous losses, Bristol will feel it is high time a victory over Lee Blackett’s men was recorded and, given current form, this weekend might be their best chance in a while.
Bristol, with 9 wins from 12 outings, have secured a spot at the apex of the overall standings with a desirable 6-point cushion between them and second-placed defending champs Exeter Chiefs.
Wasps are experiencing what can only be described as a disappointing season so far after being such aggressive title contenders in 2019-20. Their 5 wins from 12 outings has been good enough to earn them 9th spot on the overall standings – 2 points ahead of Bath and 2 behind Leicester Tigers.
Wasps will have to step it up a gear if they want to record a fifth consecutive victory against Pat Lam’s men who have engineered quality performances this year which is reflected in their current position on the log. Ashton Gate’s finest will also be harbouring a fierce desire to settle the score against Wasps which will no doubt add to the flavour of the contest.
