The presence of Semi Radradra helped boost Bristol Bears in their comeback to snatch a dramatic 16-12 win over Saracens at a rain-soaked Ashton Gate on Saturday.

This was the view of Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam.

“Semi didn’t get the opportunities that he wanted but he gave us confidence in terms of his presence and work off the ball,” Lam told Planet Rugby.

The star Fijian flyer was one of three new arrivals that made their debut for the Bears. The other two were in the form of Kyle Sinckler and Ben Earl.

Lam was pleased with their contribution.

“I think all three (Radradra, Sinckler, Earl) were superb in the sense of giving everything for the team,” he added.

“The game was how the game was. It was never going to be pretty because it was spoiled by the weather.

“We stayed in a system of defence and Ben and Kyle scrummed really well, put their bodies in there, hustled around the field.”

Lam praised his players for “gutsing it out” as a penalty try four minutes from time saw the Bears earn a sixth successive Premiership win and climb one place, to second, in the table – and Lam hailed the defensive character of his side.

“I’m pleased. Obviously, we trained in some beautiful weather and we have a game we love to play,” he said.

“But if you look at the change in the weather, the experience of Saracens, certainly a lot of things were in their favour.

“We didn’t have as much time on the ball as we’d like but our defence was huge, our scrummaging was huge and that’s credit to our coaches.

“It’s a credit to the boys, they gutsed it out. We know it wasn’t the best performance, but these games are all about guts – you’ve just got to hang in there.”

Meanwhile, Northampton Saints with Api Ratuniyarawa and Taqele Naiyaravoro lost to Wasps 34-21 at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday night.

Edited by Sereana Salalo

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj