ACID TEST – Bristol Bears vs Saracens
In Bristol Bears’ first home game of the PWR 25-26 season, coach Scott Lawson is looking forward to facing a “true test” of where his squad lies, when fourth-placed Bears host fifth-placed Saracens at Shaftesbury Park.
Sarah Bern is equally excited and optimistic – and fully focused – when looking at her beloved Bears’ chances this weekend.
But Sarries head coach Alex Austerberry is more than ready… Olivia Franks previews the clash.
This Sunday’s all-star clash sees both Bristol Bears and Saracens come off excellent wins in Round Two.
Bristol demolished Leicester Tigers, ‘nilling’ the Midlands team 74-0 (above) and giving Lawson a win in his first PWR game in charge.
And Saracens emphatically put Harlequins away 47-10 (below), to banish the doubts created by their lacklustre Round One loss to Gloucester Hartpury.
After enjoying space against Leicester – making a staggering 1055 meters – Lawson and World Cup winner Sarah Bern both highlight the need for Bristol Bears’ forwards to front up against the dominant Saracens scrum.
Bern says: “They’ll play an extremely upfront game. They’re very aggressive, so we need to make sure that we match that, and we actually beat them in that area.”
Absolutely Rapid
Newly-minted Bears coach Scott Lawson says: “They’ve set the bar last week, and personally for me, I’m really pleased with that. It gives us something to aspire to. The best version of Saracens turned up last week, so we need to be fully focused on ourselves.”
The former international hooker also reveals that he has tasked the Bears squad with improving their defence this season.
“We’ve emphasised an awful lot of our defence at the Bears this year. It’s something we have focused on a bit to try and tighten up.”
Bears’ attacking game is in fine fettle, too, and will look to undo the fierce Saracen’s defence that sits top of the league for tackle success (83%) and second in the league for tackles made (397).
Millie David scored four tries and Reneeqa Bonner bagged a hat trick against Leicester in stand-out performances.
Bern says: “They’re just absolutely rapid. If we can get them on the ball and get them in space, I think both of them will have absolute stellar season.”
Saracens head coach Alex Austerberry has his eyes on the Bristol flyers, too.
Austerberry says: “It’s a known threat. It’s a known challenge. It doesn’t mean it makes it any easier to stop it.
“They’ve got a lot of back three threats that can cause you real hurt if you give them space and time.”
Saracens have had a jam-packed first three rounds of the season. Facing last year’s champions Gloucester Hartpury in Round One, London rivals Harlequins in Two, they now face off against the team one place above them in the league.
Austerberry laughs: “The RFU fixture gods have been really kind to us!
“But, you know, ultimately, that’s the challenge that we want to embrace. Find out as early as we can where we’re at.”
Multifaceted
When asked about Bristol’s ability to keep Leicester to zero last weekend, Austerberry maintains a healthy dose of scepticism.
“All teams will pride themselves on defence. I think it’s a key indicator of your identity – so, it doesn’t surprise me that a new coach coming in wanted to establish that.
“Irrespective of what Bristol are working up, we’ve got to focus on playing our game and making sure we execute that.”
Austerberry, who stepped into a Canadian coaching role during the World Cup, highlights his squad’s adaptability – thriving off unstructured play in both defence and attack.
“When it clicks, it’s multifaceted, it asks questions and ultimately it’s aimed to disorganise defences.
“If teams want to just see us a one-trick pony, they’re more than welcome to do so. I think there’s slightly more to us as a group.”
Bristol Bears host Saracens at Shaftesbury Park on 9 November with a 2:30pm kick-off. Tickets are still available. Or watch live on YouTube.
