Match preview

18 January 2013, 11:57am

Dunn to make first start for Bath Rugby

Bath Rugby University Scholar Tom Dunn will make his first start for the senior side tomorrow as they look to secure a home quarter-final in the Amlin Challenge Cup with victory over Bucharest Wolves at the Recreation Ground, kick-off 14.15.

Dunn is promoted from the bench alongside fellow front-rowers Charlie Beech and Anthony Perenise.

Stuart Hooper returns to captain the side from the second row, partnering Ryan Caldwell. Will Skuse and Nick Koster are named once more on the blindside flank and at number 8 respectively, with Guy Mercer coming in on the openside.

Mark McMillan and Tom Heathcote continue their half-back partnership, with Olly Woodburn and Horacio Agulla out wide on the wings. Ben Williams and Dan Hipkiss link up in the centres again, with Jack Cuthbert starting at fullback.

On the bench there is a welcome return from injury to both Nathan Catt and Matt Banahan.

A win over Bucharest will guarantee Bath remain as top seeds in the tournament, a position they have held since the opening weekend, and see them qualify for a home quarter-final in April.

Despite the snow that has fallen in Bath overnight, at present there is no reason to think that the game won't go ahead as scheduled.

The pitch at the Rec has been covered with a heated tent since last Sunday, blowing hot air on to the pitch and keeping it protected from recent freezing weather, and will continue to protect it against the forecast snow.

With over 24 hours until the game, and the snow due to stop later today, we will make further updates as and when necessary.

Bath Rugby team to face Bucharest Wolves

15 Jack Cuthbert

14 Horacio Agulla

13 Dan Hipkiss

12 Ben Williams

11 Olly Woodburn

10 Tom Heathcote

9 Mark McMillan

1 Charlie Beech

2 Tom Dunn

3 Anthony Perenise

4 Stuart Hooper ( c )

5 Ryan Caldwell

6 Will Skuse

7 Guy Mercer

8 Nick Koster

Replacements

16 Brett Sharman

17 Nathan Catt

18 Kane Palma-Newport

19 Dave Attwood

20 Francois Louw

21 Chris Cook

22 Sam Vesty

23 Matt Banahan