60,000 anticipated for Bath versus Bears at rugby HQ
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- Last Updated on Saturday, 06 April 2019 11:39
- Published on Friday, 05 April 2019 13:34
Max Lahiff comes into the Bath front row at tighthead while Dave Attwood returns to the starting line-up to partner captain Charlie Ewels in the second row.
Samonan scrum half Kahn Fotuali’i starts in place of injured Will Chudley so partners Rhys Priestland in the half-back combination.
Joe Cokanasiga, who produced a player of the match performance in his last Twickenham outing for England, continues on the right wing.
Max Clark, who recently agreed a new contract with Bath, is set to make his 50th appearance off the bench.
Alapati Leiua returns to the Bears starting line-up ahead of the highly anticipated derby clash.
The winger – who has been missing through a four game suspension – is one of seven changes to Pat Lam’s side for tomorrow's Twickenham encounter.
Luke Morahan comes into the Bristol backline alongside Callum Sheedy and Harry Randall, while Luke Daniels switches to full back.
In the pack, John Afoa (foot) and Jake Woolmore (ankle) return to fitness to start in the front row, while Jordan Crane is named as co-captain at no.8.
Bears head coach Lam says: “It’s an exciting occasion and everyone is itching to be involved in the matchday squad. There’s over 60,000 there and fantastic support for both teams – it’s special and we’ll looking forward to it.
“We have to channel our emotion and excitement for the occasion into our team performance. We’ve put a big emphasis on that during our training this week and Saturday is an opportunity to celebrate that work in the world class surroundings of Twickenham Stadium.”
James Lay is listed among the Bears replacements and could make his Premiership debut.
Bath Rugby starting 15. Tom Homer 14. Joe Cokanasiga 13. Jonathan Joseph 12. Jamie Roberts 11. Ruaridh McConnochie 10. Rhys Priestland 9. Kahn Fotuali’i 1. Nathan Catt 2. Tom Dunn 3. Max Lahiff 4. Dave Attwood 5. Charlie Ewels (capt) 6. Tom Ellis 7. Sam Underhill 8. Zach Mercer
Replacements 16. Ross Batty 17. Beno Obano 18. Anthony Perenise 19. Elliott Stooke 20. Miles Reid 21. Chris Cook 22. Freddie Burns 23. Max Clark
Bears starting 15. Luke Daniels; 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Piers O’Conor, 12. Siale Piutau (co-capt), 11. Alapati Leiua; 10. Callum Sheedy, 9. Harry Randall; 1. Jake Woolmore, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. John Afoa, 4. Ed Holmes, 5. Chris Vui, 6. Steve Luatua, 7. Dan Thomas, 8. Jordan Crane (co-capt).
Replacements: 16. Nick Fenton-Wells, 17. James Lay, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Jack Lam, 20. George Smith, 21. Andy Uren, 22. Ian Madigan, 23. Tusi Pisi.
Unavailable: Will Capon (shoulder), Shaun Malton (groin), Joe Latta (eye), Joe Joyce (ankle), John Hawkins (elbow), James Dun (knee), Nick Haining (groin), Jack Tovey (rib), Will Hurrell (shoulder), Ryan Edwards (shoulder), Charles Piutau (calf).
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