Opposition view: Lam so proud of Bristol's win at Saints

The Bears let a 14-0 lead slip and were 21-14 down with five minutes remaining.

But Luke Morahan scored to breathe new life into the Bristol bid, and Andy Uren's breakaway try two minutes later finished the job.

It left Saints stunned, while table-topping Bristol were jubilant.

"It was never in doubt, was it," joked Lam.

"It wasn't our best rugby, but I said before the game that it was going to come down to defence.

"We knew that Saints are a dangerous team, and when I saw their team I had a fair idea of what Boydy (Saints boss Chris Boyd) was going to do.

"We said if we attacked well we wouldn't have to defend as much, but that didn't happen.

"With seven minutes to go we had to go and win the game, and that was probably our best rugby at the end.

"I'm really pleased the boys got the job done.

"I'm proud of the boys.

"I always say we take our learnings, but we've been here before and every time we come through it, it gives us the belief that we can do it again.

"We're going to probably need it again, but we've got belief that we'll be able to do it again."