Match preview

30 December 2011, 12:07pm

Bath Rugby change six for New Year’s Day clash

Dan Hipkiss, Tom Biggs and Simon Taylor all return as Bath Rugby make six changes to the starting line-up as they prepare to take on London Irish at the Recreation Ground on New Year’s Day in Round 12 of the Aviva Premiership, kick-off 1.30pm.

Simon Taylor lines up alongside Andy Beattie and Francois Louw in the back row, as Dave Attwood and Ryan Caldwell continue in the second row. Ross Batty starts at hooker, with Nathan Catt and Anthony Perenise packing down either side in the front row.

Stephen Donald and Michael Claassens continue to build their half-back partnership, and Nick Abendanon remains at fullback. Dan Hipkiss comes in at outside centre, partnering Matt Banahan, who shifts inside from the wing. Tom Biggs is named on the wing, with Matt Carraro starting on the opposite side.

On the bench, there is a welcome return from injury for Ben Skirving, and Kyle Eastmond could make his first appearance in Bath colours if called on.

Bath Rugby team to face London Irish

15. Nick Abendanon

14. Matt Carraro

13. Dan Hipkiss

12. Matt Banahan

11. Tom Biggs

10. Stephen Donald

9. Michael Claassens

1. Nathan Catt

2. Ross Batty

3. Anthony Perenise

4. Dave Attwood

5. Ryan Caldwell

6. Andy Beattie

7. Francois Louw (c)

8. Simon Taylor

Replacements

16. Will Tanner

17. Charlie Beech

18. David Wilson

19. Ben Skirving

20. Guy Mercer

21. Chris Cook

22. Tom Heathcote

23. Kyle Eastmond