Entertainer Radradra's Hard Graft Is Key For Bristol Boss Lam
Umer Jamshaid Published September 24, 2020 | 09:00 AM
London, Sept 24 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Sep, 2020 ) :Semi Radradra is seen by many as the most potent attacking force in world rugby but it is his work rate rather than his "X factor" that has Bristol Bears' director of rugby Pat Lam purring.
The 28-year-old Fijian superstar arrived at Bristol via sevens then rugby league and spells with Top 14 sides Toulon and Bordeaux-Begles.
Serendipitously, the English Premiership club will host Bordeaux in Friday's European Challenge Cup semi-final.
For Lam it is another step forward in his five-year plan for Bristol, whose ambitions to rival the best was shown in last November's eye-catching signing of Radradra on a three-year deal.
He would not have been playing in the 2019/20 season but his contract kicked in when rugby resumed following the coronavirus shutdown.
Welsh side Dragons had no answer to his skills in last week's quarter-final as he played a role in two tries and scored a stunning one himself.
Lam is delighted his player is a crowd-pleaser but it is his other attributes that make Radradra, who can play either in the centre or on the wing, the type of player he wants in his team.
"I have agents ringing me offering loads of players and the funny thing is they are asking 'how do I like to play?'," he said.
"They should instead be looking at the type of player I like, which is key. They have to be able to do their job and play, that they have high skill levels and work hard.
"Charles (Piutau) and Semi are prime examples.
Those guys no doubt they have the X factor but also they get their job done on the ground and off the ball they don't shirk the work." - 'In awe' - Lam said Radradra ticks all the boxes.
"I can be asked to take a prop but then I want to know, can he run with the ball and tackle?" said Lam. "Or a hooker, if all he is good at is throwing in the ball then I don't need him.
"It is for me about work rate, creating a work template. Semi fits that bill." Lam said Radradra's try against the Dragons showcased his full range of abilities.
"He took the ball in the air under pressure, presented the ball perfectly, he then carried it into hard contact and managed to stay in play, got up on his feet, kicked and chased and scored.
"Lots of people see the last bit. I see what comes before it, which is not X factor. It is work rate and that is what I want." Lam does not believe Radradra will let emotion at playing his former team distract him.
The Bristol chief, though, will hope his homework on Bordeaux has been up to scratch, admitting he had a vague moment regarding Radradra.
"As the medical staff wanted to do some more work with Semi I did not put him in the team meeting," said Lam.
"He stays with Nathan Hughes and I suddenly realised I had forgotten to talk to Semi about Bordeaux and I had already sent out the notes on them.
"I said to Nate 'tell Semi to come in and I can ask him have I got it right about Bordeaux?'. It is probably too late and is not going to change much."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Azam Khan likely to miss T20I series against Kiwis due to discomfort in right kn ..
Badar Shahbaz Warraich appointed as PM’s media coordinator
Finance Minister rules out rupee devaluation in talks with IMF
National team determined for good performance against New Zealand: Babar Azam
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 18 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 18 April 2024
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
4 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
4 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
7 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
11 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
18 days ago