AcademyJohnston: Leeds Are A Quality Side
Hooker says that the players will not take Sunday's game at Headingley lightly
Ross Johnston has urged his teammates to continue their winning form when they travel to Yorkshire to face Leeds Carnegie on Sunday (1pm KO).
The hooker, who has started both RFU Championship fixtures so far this season, believes the performance will need to be better if Bristol are looking for victory at Headingley.
“There needs to be an improvement in performance from last Sunday against London Scottish,” he said. “I think we need to build and improve week on week because teams will be getting better and sharper as the season progresses and squads become more settled."
Johnston insists that Bristol are not taking Sunday’s opponents lightly, despite Carnegie’s difficult start to the campaign.
He commented: “We know that Leeds are a quality side and they’ve got some really experienced players in their ranks. Andy Titterell is a former British Lion and he’s playing hooker, so that’s a massive task for myself! Leeds have a squad full of players with Premiership experience so it is only a matter of time before their fortunes reverse and they start to get some wins under their belts."
Increased competition for places throughout the squad this season has resulted in the players showing a real hunger to work hard and improve.
Johnston said: “The competition for places has added a real edge to training sessions. The boys returning from injury are all vying for a starting position as well and it really emphasises the quality at Liam’s disposal. Otto’s arrival after the World Cup is going to ramp things up even further so all the boys are being kept on their toes.
“On a personal note, to start both games so far as nice. I know that I have to be at my best to keep Rhys [Lawrence] out of the starting line-up because as soon as he gets his chance he will probably put me in my place and I’ll be on the bench! We just need to keep working hard as a team and we’ll be doing everything in our power to continue our good form on Sunday.”
