Grieve took over the captaincy from the departed Jason Spice this season

Captain Iain Grieve says Bristol cannot afford to take the law into their own hands during what is expected to be a physical encounter with Moseley.

Paul Hull's side face the Birmingham-based team on Sunday looking for their third win in four matches.

"One thing we found with Moseley last year was they were very direct and will match you physically," Grieve told BBC Radio Bristol.

"So we're going to have to match them physically but stay disciplined."

Grieve continued: "Referees don't allow anything to go these days, as the game's moving on and the linesmen are more aware of things."

Having the crowd behind you is like having a sixteenth man and once the Bristol chant gets going it does help us a lot Iain Grieve

"It's good for the game because it means the guys can play rugby and not worry about the other things."

The 23-year-old has been at Bristol almost ten years and is looking forward to catching up with two former team-mates who now play for Moseley.

"Chevvy Pennycook and Andy Reay used to play at Bristol and playing against them gives you that extra edge," he said.

"Chevvy's a good player and a good seven and Andy Rae's a good centre, so they're both dangerous."

Bristol have won just four of their opening 13 fixtures but three of those have come at the Memorial Stadium.

"Having the crowd behind you is like having a sixteenth man ,and once the Bristol chant gets going it does help us a lot and it does pick up the guys a bit," said Grieve.

"Early in the season we did have some losses at home but we're starting to rectify that and make it better for ourselves and the fans. So hopefully they can enjoy a great game of rugby."

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