Defeats will spur us on - Randall

HARRY Randall believes Bristol’s two Champions Cup defeats against Leinster and La Rochelle this month will help them in their quest to win the Premiership for the first time.

- PAUL REES

Bristol were well beaten in both matches, conceding 35 points in each, while scoring 12 against Leinster and seven in France.

“We knew we had to take our game to the next level against two of the best teams in Europe,” said scrum-half Randall, who made four appearances off the bench for England last month. “It tested us and there were a number of positives for us to take because for long periods we showed we were capable of competing at that level. What you learn is that you cannot have a moment off against teams like that.

“We built both games up as Test matches because they both had so many internationals in their sides. There were lessons, such as how we can retain the ball better, and we will move forward now.”

While Randall did not start for England last month in the absence of Alex Mitchell with first Ben Spencer and than Jack van Poortvliet getting the nod, any frustration was tempered by being back in the fold after two years in the wilderness having come off the bench in Japan in the summer.