Match preview

26 October 2012, 11:59am

Bath Rugby team for Chiefs derby clash

Bath Rugby will be looking to build on their back to back European bonus point wins this weekend as they return to Aviva Premiership action.

Bath welcome derby rivals Exeter Chiefs to the Recreation Ground on Saturday, kick-off 14.30, and Forwards Coach Neal Hatley knows it will be a stern test for the home side.

"Exeter have had a run of really hard games, and they will be smarting after the two losses in the Heineken Cup and looking to get back on track. They work harder for each other than most and get good reward from it. We're under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge that awaits us on Saturday."

Carl Fearns returns to the starting line-up, teaming up with Francois Louw and Ben Skirving in the backrow, as Dominic Day and Dave Attwood continue in the engine room. Paul James and David Wilson, selected in the Wales and England squads respectively for the autumn internationals, pack down either side of Lee Mears at hooker.

Try scorers against Agen, Michael Claassens and Stephen Donald renew their half-back partnership. Another try scorer from that game, Kyle Eastmond lines up on the wing with Tom Biggs on the opposite side. Ben Williams and Dan Hipkiss start in the centres, as Nick Abendanon completes the line-up at fullback.

There are also two notable additions to the bench, as Club captain Stuart Hooper makes his first appearance since the game against Sale Sharks four weeks ago, and Horacio Agulla could make his first appearance for the Club after completing his international duty with Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

Bath Rugby team to face Exeter Chiefs

15. Nick Abendanon

14. Kyle Eastmond

13. Dan Hipkiss

12. Ben Williams

11. Tom Biggs

10. Stephen Donald

9. Michael Claassens

1. Paul James

2. Lee Mears

3. David Wilson

4. Dominic Day

5. Dave Attwood

6. Carl Fearns

7. Francois Louw (c)

8. Ben Skirving

Replacements

16. Brett Sharman

17. Nathan Catt

18. Anthony Perenise

19. Stuart Hooper

20. Will Skuse

21. Mark McMillan

22. Sam Vesty

23. Horacio Agulla