BRISTOL RUGBY Fit-again Batley back in Bears pack
- Details
- Created on Friday, 03 March 2023 07:11
- Last Updated on Saturday, 04 March 2023 07:26
- Published on Friday, 03 March 2023 07:11
- Written by WILL CARPENTER at Ashton Gate
Fit-again Joe Batley returns to the Bears’ pack for tonight’s Premiership clash against third placed Northampton Saints under lights at Ashton Gate (1945ko).The lock returns from injury to partner Chris Vui in the second row, replacing Bristol-born Joe Joyce who sustained an injury against Bath, with Pat Lam naming an otherwise unchanged starting XV following the 15-13 derby win at The Rec a week ago.
Forward Steven Luatua is back in the matchday squad following his return from New Zealand this week, taking his place among the system players as the only other change to the squad.
After back-to-back wins over basement rivals Bath and Newcastle, the Bears are targeting a third league win on the spin.
The blues will have their work cut-out against high-flying Saints, boosted by the return of fit-again Cornish-born Fijian hooker Sam Matavesi, making his first start since New Year's Day's 46-17 home win over Harlequins.
Saints hope to extend their three-match winning streak following victories over play-off rivals Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Gloucester Rugby.
Northampton have beaten the Bears the last three times the sides have met.
Bristol Bears starting 15 Charles Piutau (73 apps), 14. Siva Naulago (21 apps), 13. Semi Radradra (48 apps), 12. James Williams (9 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (11 apps), 10. AJ MacGinty (18 apps), 9. Harry Randall (c) (95 apps); 1. Yann Thomas (104 apps), 2. Harry Thacker (94 apps), 3. Max Lahiff (61 apps), 4. Chris Vui (111 apps), 5. Joe Batley (35 apps), 6. Sam Jeffries (57 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (45 apps), 8. Magnus Bradbury (16 apps).
System players: 16. Bryan Byrne (42 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (127 apps), 18. George Kloska (22 apps), 19. Steven Luatua (107 apps), 20. Jake Heenan (88 apps), 21. Andy Uren (152 apps), 22. Sam Bedlow (58 apps), 23. Ioan Lloyd (73 apps).
Unavailable: Will Capon, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Joe Joyce, John Hawkins, Ed Holmes, Will Porter, Callum Sheedy, Joe Jenkins, Piers O’Conor, Deago Bailey, Rich Lane.
Saints hope to extend their three-match winning streak following victories over play-off rivals Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Gloucester Rugby.
Northampton have beaten the Bears the last three times the sides have met.
Bristol Bears starting 15 Charles Piutau (73 apps), 14. Siva Naulago (21 apps), 13. Semi Radradra (48 apps), 12. James Williams (9 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (11 apps), 10. AJ MacGinty (18 apps), 9. Harry Randall (c) (95 apps); 1. Yann Thomas (104 apps), 2. Harry Thacker (94 apps), 3. Max Lahiff (61 apps), 4. Chris Vui (111 apps), 5. Joe Batley (35 apps), 6. Sam Jeffries (57 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (45 apps), 8. Magnus Bradbury (16 apps).
System players: 16. Bryan Byrne (42 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (127 apps), 18. George Kloska (22 apps), 19. Steven Luatua (107 apps), 20. Jake Heenan (88 apps), 21. Andy Uren (152 apps), 22. Sam Bedlow (58 apps), 23. Ioan Lloyd (73 apps).
Unavailable: Will Capon, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Joe Joyce, John Hawkins, Ed Holmes, Will Porter, Callum Sheedy, Joe Jenkins, Piers O’Conor, Deago Bailey, Rich Lane.
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