Match preview

23 December 2011, 11:45am

Batty, Beattie, Williams and Carraro back to face Northampton

Ross Batty, Andy Beattie, Ben Williams and Matt Carraro all return to the Bath Rugby starting line-up this weekend, as they travel to face Northampton Saints on Christmas Eve, kick-off 3.15pm.

Batty comes into the front row alongside David Flatman and David Wilson, with Dave Attwood and Ryan Caldwell continuing their partnership in the engine room.

Andy Beattie takes up the blindside flank position, as Guy Mercer continues at openside and Francois Louw shifts to the back of the scrum at number 8. Simon Taylor is ruled out after picking up a knock against Leinster.

Michael Claassens and Stephen Donald link up once again in the half backs, as Ben Williams starts at outside centre, partnering Olly Barkley on the inside. Matt Banahan shifts to the wing, with Matt Carraro coming in on the opposite side. Nick Abendanon completes the line-up at fullback.

Bath Rugby team to face Northampton Saints

15. Nick Abendanon
14. Matt Carraro
13. Ben Williams
12. Olly Barkley
11. Matt Banahan
10. Stephen Donald
9. Michael Claassens
1. David Flatman
2. Ross Batty
3. David Wilson
4. Dave Attwood
5. Ryan Caldwell
6. Andy Beattie
7. Guy Mercer
8. Francois Louw (c)

Replacements

16. Will Tanner
17. Nathan Catt
18. Anthony Perenise
19. Will Spencer
20. Josh Ovens
21. Chris Cook
22. Tom Heathcote
23. Jack Cuthbert