PAUL Hull has revealed how he had stern words with his Bristol players this week in an attempt to "get the show back on the road" at Esher today.

Bristol conceded an injury-time converted try to go down 26-24 at home to Rotherham in last Sunday's Championship opener.

Last season's beaten play-off finalists missed key tackles and wasted several clear-cut opportunities to score after leading 10-0 and 18-10 at the Memorial Stadium.

Head coach Hull was disappointed by his team's lack of physicality in defence – not to mention an absence of cutting edge in the opposition 22 – and is demanding a much-improved performance at Molesey Road today.

"We spoke quite sternly in the week," said Hull. "We hate losing – and we certainly hate losing the first game of the season when we're at home.

"But the way we lost and the way we performed physically in the first half, we don't want to see ever again – on our home turf or anywhere else.

"We spoke about that and the boys responded positively and took it all on board. I would expect to see a very different showing this weekend."

Bristol only lost three matches during their 22-game regular campaign last season – and, despite the raft of summer departures that have stretched Hull's squad, the head coach recognises the significance of winning against newly-promoted Esher.

The National League One champions were 29-17 winners at Moseley last weekend and will arguably be the more confident team going into this afternoon's match. But Hull is expecting a big reaction from his players – who have now lost their last three competitive games.

"It's the second game of the season so it's not a must-win in the big picture of the league," said Hull.

"But I think it's a must-win in that a bit of pride and passion are required – and we don't want to go and lose two games on the trot. We only did that once last year – and that was the last two games of the season.

"A lot of people are still disappointed and want to put some of their individual reputations back on track – and as a team we want to do the same.

"In the big picture, we can lose a few games in the season, but we don't want to lose two on the trot. I think it's important that we get the show back on the road."

Hull has made three changes to the side beaten by Rotherham, bringing in Richard Bolt, Iain Grieve and Mako Vunipola in place of Sam Alford, Darren Barry and the injured Mark Irish.

But he has stuck with academy trio Jack Tovey, Ollie Hayes and Ben Glynn – all of whom started six days ago.

"I thought the young players had good games and we were all pleased with their performances," said Hull. "Even though it's a team thing and everyone shares the disappointment at losing, I think some of the young players can hold their heads up high, because they played really well and contributed to the good parts of our game. We definitely want to put a marker down this season – and that starts at Esher this weekend. I think the Rotherham loss has definitely given us more clarity and focus – and I can't see there being any complacency this weekend."

Bristol: J Tovey; S Marsden, J Adams, E Barnes, D Norton; N Little, R Bolt; M Vunipola, O Hayes, W Thompson, B Glynn, R Winters, I Grieve (capt), J Merriman, D Montagu. Reps (from): D Blaney, B Moss, M Sambucetti, D Barry, J Miller, S Alford, A Jarvis, J Gadd.