Looking at the ZP opposition - Bristol

Whats a Shogun?
By The Analyst
August 8 2002

Bristol are of course one of the big three clubs of the ZP from the West Country, One of the traditional powers of English rugby, who made a slow and nearly disastrous start to the professional era. However, signs of life started a couple of seasons ago.

Towards the end of last season there was a string of impressive results ultimately taking them to a Twickenham final in the championship. Some would undervalue this, but the win against T****s was on merit at 'Pooh Corner' with Bristol lacking several injured players just as T****s rested some of theirs. In the semi Saints put out their strongest available team who certainly gave their best shot before being beaten fair and square despite some snide and ignorant comments to the contrary.

So there certainly are the makings of a good side on the pitch. Off the pitch, support is not yet at viable levels, but is climbing and with problems at neighbouring Bath, there is little doubt that on-field success would help speed up the revival in numbers.

Bristol are a side on the way up, but how long before they arrive? It is a long time since there was a climate of success ,and it may be a lack of familiarity with the top that holds them back for one more year.

TRANSFERS
Out go Jason Little, Jim Brownrigg, Sean Marsden Mike McCarrick and the rehabbing Adam Vander.
In come LOCK Scott Morgan after 2 years away, Martin Shaw, a form centre from Sale and Richards, a scrum half, plus 5 or 6 players from the extremely successful academy run by EX Milton Keynes player Paul Hull.

Some of the new pros will be farmed out to Welsh clubs for match experience. The rumours of a "phenomenal" signing (widely tipped to Daryl Gibson) have not as yet borne fruit, but watch this space.

So far, the transfers address long rather than short-term needs.of the leavers, Brownrigg will be remembered fondly, but with Beattie, Salter and Sturnham they are well served at no.8 and 6.

Shaw was one of the better centres in the ZP last year but Little of course will leave large boots to fill.

MANAGEMENT
What will the rest of the ZP do without being able to boo the glowering form of Dean Ryan as he takes his seat in the stands but don't worry, he'll still be doing it but not with Bristol.

Peter Thorburn, a former All Blacks selector and provincial coach , now holds the reins, with Malcolm Pearce still in charge of the purse strings. The foundations look much more solid, the drain of players and apprentices down the road to Bath has been stemmed, and the club is moving forward in a sustainable way.

The back room looks a little light, but may expand as revenue grows with increased bums on seats.

PROSPECTS
Thorburns arrival seemed to inspire Bristol's best spell last year. The academy is producing some terrific talent. They have proved they can beat the best (and lose to anyone). The forwards look physical in the front 5, despite Archer's disciplinary problems he is one of the few locks around who is an aerial threat as well as a physical threat. They have ballcarriers in the forwards (Sheridan, Archer, beattie, Sturnham, Salter, Johnson) and in Alex Brown an excellent jumping lock.

Behind these they have the two Argentine half backs, Pichot and Contempomi with pace to burn outside this South American pair in the shape of Rees, Shaw, Christophers and Best.

Perhaps a slight weakness on the floor with no absolute ballwinner, but a lot of power and pace. Of course if you want Sheridan's power you have to sacrifice someone else's lineout contribution and vice-versa, but it's still a lot of weapons at their disposal.

The lower end of the squad will be extremely young , and this could be a problem for this year, though a plus for next year. They will be in the Heineken, which will put far greater strain on the squad than was the case last year,and a couple of bad results can affect morale.

VERDICT
A year too soon for this side. They need to get used to competing in the top Euro competition and are short of a dominant player with experience in the backs. So great prospects in 2003, but this year about 8th again with a cup run in one of the domestic competitions?