BATH RUGBY Muir wings in for first Premiership start

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Parent Category: Rugby Union

Last Updated on Friday, 12 February 2021 15:56

Published on Thursday, 11 February 2021 13:49

Written by SHULA SMITH at Bath Rugby

Winger Will Muir is set to make his first Premiership start for Bath at Sale Sharks tonight (2000ko).

Bath and their fans will be hoping the former England Sevens ace injects pace and attacking dynamism into the team once again after an impressive introduction in last week's 28-15 home defeat by Harlequins.

Semesa Rokoduguni retains his position on the right wing with Tom de Glanville completing the back-three at full-back.

There has been consistency in selection in the centres, with Bath opting for Josh Matavesi at inside centre and Max Clark setting up outside the Fijian.

World Cup finalist Ben Spencer starts at scrum-half with the experienced Rhys Priestland at fly half.

The front row is unchanged from last weekend’s outing against Harlequins as Juan Schoeman starts at loose-head prop with Christian Judge holding up the other side of the scrum. England-capped Tom Dunn maintains his role at hooker.

Fit again Josh McNally returns to the fold to captain the team from the second row, locking down alongside Zimbabwe-born Mike Williams.

In the back row, Josh Bayliss returns to his more familiar role of blindside flanker with Miles Reid operating at 7. Zach Mercer completes the pack at No 8.

The Bath coaching team have chosen a 5:3 bench split as Jack Walker, Jamie Bhatti and former Sale Shark Henry Thomas provide the replacement front row cover.

Ewan Richards, who made his Club debut last weekend, joins Ethan Staddon as additional forward support. The ever-present Will Chudley is set to win his 50th Club cap if he takes over at 9, with newcomer Tian Schoeman the reserve fly half.

Alex Gray, the former NFL and England Sevens player is named amongst the replacements for the first time and should he be called upon, will make his Bath debut.

BATH STARTING 15. Tom de Glanville, 14. Semesa Rokoduguni, 13. Max Clark, 12. Josh Matavesi, 11. Will Muir, 10. Rhys Priestland, 9. Ben Spencer, 1. Juan Schoeman, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Christian Judge, 4. Josh McNally (c), 5. Mike Williams, 6. Josh Bayliss, 7. Miles Reid, 8. Zach Mercer

REPLACEMENTS 16. Jack Walker, 17. Jamie Bhatti, 18. Henry Thomas, 19. Ewan Richards, 20. Ethan Staddon, 21. Will Chudley, 22. Tian Schoeman, 23. Alex Gray

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