Match preview

17 February 2012, 12:02pm

Derby day at the Recreation Ground

After a bonus point victory over Newcastle Falcons last weekend, Bath Rugby will be determined to continue that momentum in tomorrow's Round 15 Aviva Premiership fixture as they welcome local rivals Gloucester Rugby to the Recreation Ground, kick-off 2.30pm.

West Country derby games between Bath and Gloucester are always hotly contested and tomorrow looks set to be no different with both teams looking to climb the table.

The Bath starting line-up sees just two changes from last weekend and both come in the pack.

Nathan Catt comes into the starting loosehead shirt, scrumming down alongside Lee Mears and Anthony Perenise.

Stuart Hooper returns to the engine room, in place of Dave Attwood who has not fully recovered from a groin strain picked up last weekend, and partners Ryan Caldwell. Ben Skirving, Francois Louw and Simon Taylor complete the pack.

Michael Claassens and Tom Heathcote continue to build their half-back partnership, whilst Olly Barkley and Matt Banahan combine in the centres once more. Tom Biggs and Olly Woodburn start out wide, with Sam Vesty completing the line-up at fullback.

On the bench, Ross Batty, Charlie Beech, Duncan Bell and Jack Cuthbert all return to the matchday 23.

Bath Rugby team to face Gloucester Rugby

15. Sam Vesty
14. Olly Woodburn
13. Matt Banahan
12. Olly Barkley
11. Tom Biggs
10. Tom Heathcote
9. Michael Claassens
1. Nathan Catt
2. Lee Mears
3. Anthony Perenise
4. Stuart Hooper
5. Ryan Caldwell
6. Ben Skirving
7. Francois Louw
8. Simon Taylor

Replacements

16. Ross Batty
17. Charlie Beech
18. Duncan Bell
19. Guy Mercer
20. Josh Ovens
21. Chris Cook
22. Matt Carraro
23. Jack Cuthbert