Match preview

1 February 2013, 12:00pm

Fearns returns for derby day

Bath Rugby's big hitting back row Carl Fearns is back in the starting line-up for the LV= Cup match against West Country rivals Gloucester at Kingsholm tomorrow, kick-off 14.00.

Fearns will be joined in the back row by Ben Skirving and Francois Louw, while Dominic Day and Dave Attwood form a heavy, powerful partnership in the engine room.

The front row sees England international Rob Webber start his second consecutive match after returning from long term injury. He was excellent in his Bath debut last week and will look to improve on that tomorrow with Charlie Beech and Anthony Perenise by his side at loosehead and tighthead prop.

After a dream debut last week versus Exeter, Ireland international Peter Stringer is selected to partner All Black Stephen Donald in the half-backs, while Sam Vesty and Matt Banahan form a midfield replete with experience and brute force.

Electric young talent Olly Woodburn sits on the left wing, with Argentinian international Horacio Agulla on the right, and Bath stalwart Nick Abendanon returns at fullback.

We are also pleased to announce that there will be an open training session at the Rec on Friday 15th February at 09.45. Bring the family to join the team as they put the finishing touches to their preparation to face London Irish the following day. You can watch the session then meet the players, so bring your autograph books!

15 Nick Abendanon

14 Horacio Agulla

13 Matt Banahan

12 Sam Vesty

11 Olly Woodburn

10 Stephen Donald

9 Peter Stringer

1 Charlie Beech

2 Rob Webber

3 Anthony Perenise

4 Dave Attwood

5 Dominic Day

6 Francois Louw

7 Carl Fearns

8 Ben Skirving

Replacements

16 Ross Batty

17 Nathan Catt

18 Kane Palma-Newport

19 Will Spencer

20 Mat Gilbert

21 Chris Cook

22 Semesa Rokoduguni

23 Jack Cuthbert