Sam Giddens played a starring role at inside centre as Bristol returned to the top of the Championship – but will happily play anywhere if it means helping his side to promotion.

The 25-year-old New Zealander, who joined Bristol in November, has now settled in the city and formed an effective midfield partnership with Luke Eves in Sunday's 24-14 win over Plymouth Albion at the Memorial Stadium.

Both centres scored tries as Bristol Rugby posted a 10th straight league win – but Giddens is aware of the fierce competition for places in the No 12 and 13 shirts.

Junior Fatialofa and Jack Adams have been the first-choice pair for most of the season, while former Bath captain and England Saxons man Alex Crockett will become available from March 1.

And former Hawke's Bay star Giddens – who can also operate at fly-half, outside centre and full-back – would willingly play the role of Bristol's Mr Versatility if it means helping his side into the Guinness Premiership.

"It's good to have that competition in the midfield," said Giddens, who was making his first Championship start at the Memorial Stadium.

"We're all competitive guys but we have some fun as well. You've got to have the second string pushing the first string so they can play well – and any chance I'll get, I'll play anywhere.

"I've played a lot of 12, 13 and 15 throughout my career – and I don't mind where I play as long as I'm helping the team out.

"I was stoked with the try against Plymouth. I don't score too many tries, so I had to celebrate that one. I got five in one game back home once, but I haven't scored many since then, so I'll take whatever I can.

"I'd been looking forward to starting a home game, because the crowd is so passionate, and I really enjoyed it out there."

Giddens was used sparingly during his first few weeks with Bristol – but now he has settled he looks like becoming an increasingly important part of Paul Hull's squad. As well as scoring one of Bristol's four tries at the weekend, he also created one for Lee Robinson as Hull's men made it 49 points from the last available 50.

"I think our little mistakes kept Plymouth in the game. We gave away some silly penalties – but in the end we're a good team and we can finish teams off.

"You just look at the week ahead and take each team as they come. Nottingham are next for us and we're not looking any further than that at the moment. We won't worry about the play-offs until we get into them."

And while things are coming together for Giddens on the field, he is also feeling at home off it, with his partner and young son having settled into Bristolian life.

"It's been great and I've enjoyed the change," he said.

"It's still a bit cold for my liking but the rugby that Bristol are playing is so enjoyable. We play what's in front of us and we throw the ball around, so I'm enjoying that.

"It's really good over here. My partner and I spend a bit of time at Cabot Circus and Cribbs doing a bit of shopping – well, she does – and our little fella is settling in, too."