Bristol Analysis

By Lawrence Aggleton
August 31 2008

Head Coach: Richard Hill

EPS Players: 0

Last Season GP: 9th

Last Season Europe: HC Group

European Group (ECC): Toulon, Northampton, Montpelier

Pre-Season: @ Exeter L @ Glasgow W @ Dragons

First Four: Vs Bath @ Quins Vs Sale @ Newcastle

Big Outs: Gareth Llewellyn (retired), David Hill (Toshiba)

Big Ins: Adrian Jarvis (Quins), Robert Sidoli (Blues)

Key Man: Dan Ward-Smith

Bristol struggled last season after a good first two years back in the GP. A tight budget and ground uncertainty, coupled with the absence of their previous star Dan Ward-Smith limited their possibilities. Adrian Jarvis is a canny signing and an excellent kicker, but is unlikely to set the back-line afire. With centres like Kevin Maggs around, expect solid defence and hard-running attack, but little creativity. A poor first half of the season may cost Richard Hill his job.

Premiership: Where Worcester have improved and Saints have replaced Leeds, Bristol have, at best, stood still. Expect a relegation scrap with Newcastle who they may well travel to in week 4 without a win. Prediction: 11th.

Europe: With probably the hardest group in the history of the ECC, Bristol should ignore this and focus on the league. Prediction: CC Group.