Hill has not seen his team win any of their last eight matches

Bristol boss Richard Hill has declared the club's home game against Newcastle on 13 February a must-win match.

Bristol are now seven points off the Falcons at the foot of the Premiership and Hill is adamant there will be "no way back" if they lose to Newcastle.

"What we're going to be asking players in the next two games is to step up to the mark," Hill told BBC Radio Bristol.

"By the end of our European Challenge Cup games, we'll try and pick a 15 of players who are on form."

Bristol are down to one fit hooker in David Blaney after Scott Linklater pulled his calf in the defeat at Saracens, joining injured duo Mark Regan and Ryan Prosser on the sidelines.

"We may have to bring a hooker in because I don't think either Ronnie or Scott will be fit," Hill added.

"We have lost the entire front row - Alex Clarke, Regan and Jason Hobson. They are all out for longer than four weeks."

Linklater scored Bristol's only try in their 37-13 reverse at Saracens, a loss which was compounded by news of Newcastle's shock victory against high-flying Gloucester.

MESSAGEBOARD Richard Hill must be looking at next season and to bounce straight back up exileray

"Newcastle have their tails up and they've got two pretty easy games in Europe," Hill said.

"We've got two tough games against Toulon and Montpellier. We've got these two games to try and find our best selection.

"When you're losing games it's difficult to pick your first 15. When you're winning all the time the side goes on well and picks itself.

"When you're losing it's difficult to find those players who are in form.

"We have to win against Newcastle, otherwise there's no way back. The position is even clearer now."

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