TAKE IT TO THE MAX

Malins on how Bristol have turned into a great attacking force that has pushed them to the brink of play-offs

- ADAM HATHAWAY

MAX MALINS has described the lightning bolt moment that turned Bristol into the great entertainers and play-off contenders.

The Bears full-back was in the side beaten 27-10 by Connacht in the Champions Cup in January - which has proved to be the turning point in their fortunes.

That European exit led to billionaire club owner Steve Lansdown telling director of rugby Pat Lam he wanted to see more exciting rugby.

Bristol have followed those orders in style - averaging seven tries a game in their last five league matches, including a 13-try, 85-14 rout of Newcastle, and an average of just under 50 points a match.