Vakatawa puts on man-of-the-match performance, scores a try in Bears’ 21-13 win over Falcons

Former France international and Fijian-born utility back Virimi Vakatawa put on a man-of-the-match performance after scoring a try for his Bristol Bears side to claim a 21-13 win over Newcastle Falcons in their Gallagher Premiership match today.

Vakatawa scored in the 68th minute after the Bears were holding a slight 7-6 lead.

The try extended their lead to 14-6.

"He's a one-man destroyer!" 💥

Virimi Vakatawa with a HUGE run to extend @BristolBears' lead 🐻#GallagherPrem | #NEWvBRI pic.twitter.com/ZUbRHj5iKO

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) December 22, 2023

Vakatawa gained 101 metres in 5 runs, 2 line breaks and beat 8 defenders.

Bears’ head coach Pat Lam praised Vakatawa’s performance and said there is a saying that goes, form is temporary, class is permanent, and Vakatawa is a class player.

Lam says Vakatawa has had a year off the game and says he doesn’t think many rugby players would come back off injuries and come straight back into it.

He says Vakatawa has shown signs every game that he’s getting better and better.

In another Gallagher Premiership match this morning, Sale Sharks beat Saracens 22-21.