Quins game like a 'quarter-final' for Bears
Bristol Bears' game against Harlequins is like a "quarter-final" says director of rugby Pat Lam, with a win enough to secure them a Premiership play-off spot.
The Bears go into Saturday's final league match of the season two points clear in fourth in the table and with destiny in their own hands to secure a top four finish for the first time since 2020.
Bristol have been in the play-off positions for all 17 rounds of the Premiership this season.
"We want to be part of that mix, we said that right from the beginning. We haven't been in that mix for four years now. There's a lot to play for," Lam told BBC Radio Bristol.
"It's like a quarter-final. We all know the ramifications of the result but we'll focus on just getting all the bits and pieces to get the result we want."
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Bristol finished top of the table in 2020 and reached the Twickenham final but went on to suffer a second-half collapse, against Saturday's opponents Harlequins, to lose out on the title. It means they are still chasing a first Premiership trophy.
They come into this weekend's match in inconsistent form, with two wins in their past six games stretching back to 22 March.
Harlequins are seventh and have little at stake with a play-off finish already out of reach.
"I'm really proud of this group, we've got one of the smallest groups in the competition and we haven't left the top four all season. We got in the top four round one and we've stayed in there," Lam said.
"The only achievement we want is a win - none of that means anything if we drop out in the very last round. The boys are pretty focussed and looking forward [to it]."
A year ago, Bristol came into the final match of the campaign - also against Harlequins - needing a win but for results elsewhere to also go their way and they ultimately fell short, finishing fifth.
Lam said he would not be tracking any other match updates on Saturday, solely focusing on their home game.
"I don't care what happens anywhere else apart from at Ashton Gate and that's a good place to be compared to last year," Lam said.
"The dangerous teams are those that have nothing to play for. For us it's about focusing on us and what we can bring to the game, ideally that reflects the excitement and determination and hunger to win this game."
Bristol are likely to be without full-back Rich Lane who went off early in the defeat by Sale on 16 May with an ankle injury, although they have been given a boost by the return of winger Noah Heward who can play at 15.
Heward has played only five matches this season, the last in the Premiership Rugby Cup in February due to a hamstring injury.
"Noah Heward is finally back from injury - the timing is very good," Lam said.
"We're thankful there is some cover."
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