Match preview

27 January 2012, 11:57am

Hooper returns to lead Bath Rugby

Club captain Stuart Hooper returns to the Bath Rugby starting line-up for Saturday's LV= Cup game against Northampton Saints, kick-off 2.30pm.

Hooper comes back to partner Ryan Caldwell in the second row, with Ben Skirving, Francois Louw and Simon Taylor combining in the back row. Ross Batty starts at hooker, with David Flatman and Anthony Perenise packing down either side of him in the front row.

Michael Claassens partners Stephen Donald in the half-backs once more, with Tom Biggs and Olly Woodburn taking their places on the wings. Olly Barkley and Sam Vesty form a new centre pairing, and Nick Abendanon completes the line-up at full-back.

Both sides sit at the top of their pools going into the game, with maximum points being taken in their respective first two fixtures, and will be determined to get one step closer to securing a semi-final place tomorrow afternoon.

Speaking before the game, Director of Rugby, Sir Ian McGeechan said: "We're looking forward to what we know will be a tough challenge for us, against a strong Northampton Saints squad."

Bath Rugby team to face Northampton Saints

15. Nick Abendanon

14. Olly Woodburn

13. Sam Vesty

12. Olly Barkley

11. Tom Biggs

10. Stephen Donald

9. Michael Claassens

1. David Flatman

2. Ross Batty

3. Anthony Perenise

4. Stuart Hooper (c)

5. Ryan Caldwell

6. Ben Skirving

7. Francois Louw

8. Simon Taylor

Replacements

16. Lee Mears

17. Charlie Beech

18. Duncan Bell

19. Will Spencer

20. Guy Mercer

21. Chris Cook

22. Tom Heathcote

23. Nick Scott