Lawrence Dallaglio wants Bristol Bears to go all guns blazing to take down reigning Investec Champions Cup champions Bordeaux this weekend.
The French side make the trip to Ashton Gate for a blockbuster Sunday lunchtime clash (Premier Sports 1 from 12.30pm) , with both sides gunning for top spot in Pool 4.
Both have won all three of their matches so far, with just a point separating the pair who will battle it out for an all-important home tie in the round of 16.
Bordeaux laid down a marker with a 50-28 defeat of Northampton Saints last time out but Dallaglio believes Pat Lam’s side should fight fire with fire in a clash between two electric attacks.
• Andy Goode highlights area of Toulouse vulnerability ahead of Saracens Investec Champions Cup showdown
• 'They can punch above their weight' - Scotland rugby star makes bold Investec Champions Cup prediction
“It doesn’t take analysis to realise they are playing a very worthy team, they are the holders and one of the top teams in the French championship,” said Dallaglio, part of the Premier Sports team bringing a packed weekend of world-class international rugby action as the EPCR knock stages are decided with 15 blockbuster fixtures live on Premier Sports.
“It is a team packed full of international superstars. This is a team that goes fully loaded, whether it is home or away because they fully appreciate and understand the advantage of a home seeding.
“Bristol have got their own unique way of playing. You doubt it will be a low-scoring match; these are teams that like to play ball in hand and go at each other. They love transition and to capitalise on turnovers.
“The key lesson for Bristol will be that this is a team that have got the capability of scoring from anywhere, and we don’t need to be helping them; we don’t need to give them easy tries or opportunities because they can create those themselves.
“They will take comfort from what Saracens did against Toulouse. We build these sides up to be world-beaters but actually, every side is beatable.
“You respect your opponent but equally if I was looking at Bordeaux, I’d say they have been beaten six times in the Top 14. They are clearly beatable.”
Bristol’s clash with Bordeaux headlines an exciting final weekend of Champions Cup action, which sees nine qualification spots still up for grabs.
Heavyweights such as Toulouse, Munster, and La Rochelle all face a battle to progress and it is those high stakes that Dallaglio believes makes the competition so compelling.
“We go into Round 4 with the most competitive pool stages we’ve seen in years. There are some quite illustrious names that are yet to qualify. That makes this weekend a must-watch. It is very exciting.
"Seven former champions are yet to qualify and nine places are still up for grabs. What’s not to like? I don’t get the critics - I’m as hooked as I’ve ever been. It’s an incredible competition," said Dallaglio
“It always throws up some stories doesn’t it. Leinster winning by the skin of their teeth last weekend, Glasgow beating Toulouse. It’s anything but predictable, I think some of the quality of rugby on show is magnificent.”
“I loved being a part of this competition as a player. It is so hard to win, you only have to look at the quality.
“There are very few teams able to go back-to-back. It is such a hard thing to do.
“I was lucky enough to win it twice and both of the finals were two of the highlights of my career. It remains harder to win than ever.”
Big Games. Bigger Moments. Premier Sports is the home of Investec Champions Cup rugby across the UK and Ireland with every match live including 21 EPCR Challenge Cup games and all the knock-out stages and Finals. Visit premiersports.com to join in from just £11.99 a month @ PremSports TV
-
Machado says Venezuela is at ‘threshold of freedom’

-
Man seriously injured in 'fall from height' at Rochester Castle in Kent

-
Noida Weather LATEST Update: Schools Remain Closed on January 17 as Cold and Fog Persist

-
Households with solar panels hit with £100 HMRC fines this January

-
"India-Italy partnership will be more enhanced by conclusion of FTA": Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli
