Pat Lam could be without some key men as Bristol Bears face their bogey side Worcester Warriors on Sunday following a bruising victory against Northampton Saints on Sunday.
For much of the encounter at Franklin’s Gardens the Bears were out-muscled by the Gallagher Premiership’s second place side, particularly in defence, but a couple of moments of brilliance which saw Bristol twice score 80-yard tries, finished by Henry Purdy and Lewis Thiede, ensured Lam returned from his old stomping ground with a 14-20 victory.
However the game took its toll physically.
Speaking on Wednesday, ahead of facing Worcester Warriors, who beat Bristol home and away last season, director of rugby Lam provided an injury update on some of his key men.
Steven Luatua
The fearless skipper, who constantly puts his body on the line for the cause, departed at half time at the Gardens after aggravating a neck injury he was carrying into the game from training.
Lam said: “He has got a few niggles there [with his neck].
“We had quite a few niggles there, he just needs a bit of time, it has not been long since the game with it being a Sunday game.
“The medical team are watching a lot of these guys and we hoping they will be available; but this is the whole reason you have got to have good depth in your squad.
“We won’t take any risk if there doesn’t need to be.
Joe Joyce
Joyce came off the bench to replace Luatua on Sunday, with the pack being reshuffled and Chris Vui switching from lock to blindside.
The big second row impressed while on the pitch but had to depart in the 75th minute after taking a blow to the head.
Lam said: “Joe is going through the HIA protocols as per normal.”
Alapati Leiua
The winger was also replaced at half time with try scorer Henry Purdy coming on in his place.
Speaking after the game Lam confirmed Leiua had felt a twinge in his hamstring.
Since early January the Samoan international has been struggling with adverse neural tension, which can affect the lower leg muscles like the hamstrings and is caused by nerve problems and tension in the lower the back.
While not going into detail Lam said: “We are monitoring his back,” suggesting the withdrawal on Sunday was for the same issue.
Will Hurrell
Lam also provided an update on one of Bristol’s slightly forgotten men, centre Hurrell, who has been missing for more than six weeks after taking a blow to the head at Welford Road.
The Bears boss said: “He was concussed against Leicester and he is going through all those processes at the moment as well.”
Harry Thacker
The club confirmed on Wednesday, hooker Thacker will be sidelined for three months as he recovers from a neck injury.
To cover the key position of hooker Bristol have signed Leinster’s Bryan Byrne on a short-term deal.
Here is the latest available full official injury update which was released by Bristol Bears last Friday.
Harry Thacker (neck), Jordan Lay (knee), James Lay (leg), Max Lahiff (shoulder), Aly Muldowney (head), Siale Piutau (knee), Luke Daniels (shoulder), Will Hurrell (head), Charlie Powell (ankle).
Looking at the opposition, Worcester will be without centre Francois Venter who has been ruled out for “four to six weeks” following surgery on a ruptured thumb ligament.
Also sidelined for the Warriors are: Melani Nanai, Ed Fidow, Dean Hammond and Tom Howe.
However Worcester boss Alan Solomons will be able to call upon Scottish squad members Duncan Weir and Cornell du Preez who have both been left out of Gregor Townsend’s side for the trip to Italy in the Guinness Six Nations this weekend.
