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Bristol visit 2022 and 2023 European champions La Rochelle on 14 December, followed by a home game against Italian team Benetton on 12 January and a trip to Clermont Auvergne six days later.<\/p>\n
Prop Ellis Genge and scrum-half Harry Randall are in contention against Leinster after being rested, while Lam has been impressed by his young players<\/a> who have “stepped up and performed” on their way to 29 points from their first seven league games.<\/p>\n “This is what rugby is about – the team,” said Lam. “Despite the challenge, we’ll have a good chance.<\/p>\n “I’ve been blessed to win the Premiership [with Newcastle Falcons in 1998] and the Champions Cup as a player; they were both very enjoyable experiences, but the Premiership was only noted by the English, whereas the European Cup was worldwide.<\/p>\n “The stakes are high and your reputation as a club can be made or lost by the competition. This is the biggest stage in northern hemisphere rugby.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n