Match preview

16 December 2011, 11:45am

Bath Rugby team to face Leinster

Bath Rugby name a virtually unchanged side to travel to Dublin as they prepare to take on the current Heineken Cup champions, Leinster, for the second time in two weeks at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 18.00.

David Flatman, Chris Biller and David Wilson continue in the front row, with Dave Attwood and Ryan Caldwell combining in the second row. Captain, Francois Louw returns at blindside, with Guy Mercer at openside and Simon Taylor at No. 8 completing the pack.

Michael Claassens and Stephen Donald continue to form their half-back partnership. The only change to the starting XV comes in the backs, where Dan Hipkiss is ruled out with a knock picked up last week. Matt Banahan shifts from the wing to outside centre, with Nick Abendanon moving to the wing, and Sam Vesty coming in at fullback.

There is a welcome return to the bench for Ross Batty and Ben Williams who both come back into the squad following injuries.  

Bath Rugby team to face Leinster

15 Sam Vesty

14 Jack Cuthbert

13 Matt Banahan

12 Olly Barkley

11 Nick Abendanon

10 Stephen Donald

9 Michael Claassens

1 David Flatman

2 Chris Biller

3 David Wilson

4 Dave Attwood

5 Ryan Caldwell

6 Francois Louw (c)

7 Guy Mercer

8 Simon Taylor

Replacements

16 Ross Batty

17 Nathan Catt

18 Anthony Perenise

19 Will Spencer

20 Andy Beattie

21 Chris Cook

22 Tom Heathcote

23 Ben Williams