Match preview

7 December 2012, 11:58am

Mercer to captain Bath Rugby for first time

Guy Mercer will captain the Bath Rugby senior side for the first time on Saturday as they take on Calvisano in the Amlin Challenge Cup at the Recreation Ground, kick-off 14.15.

Bath are currently top of Pool Four, following away bonus point victories over Bucharest Wolves and SU Agen in October. Tickets are still available for tomorrow's clash with the Italians, so call the Bath Rugby Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865 to book yours and join us on the next stage of our European campaign.

Mercer, who has captained the Bath United side in the Aviva A League for the majority of the season, lines up in the back row alongside fellow Academy graduate Josh Ovens and debutant Nick Koster. Ryan Caldwell makes his first start of the season, linking up with Dominic Day in the second row. David Wilson returns from international duty to the tighthead shirt, with Brett Sharman and Charlie Beech completing the pack.

Tom Heathcote comes in at fly-half, re-forming his half-back partnership with Mark McMillan who starts at scrum-half.

Kyle Eastmond retains his position on the right wing, with Olly Woodburn replacing Tom Biggs on the left. Sam Vesty comes into the inside centre birth to form a new centre partnership with Horacio Agulla, and Jack Cuthbert is named at fullback.

Bath Rugby team to face Calvisano

15. Jack Cuthbert

14. Kyle Eastmond

13. Horacio Agulla

12. Sam Vesty

11. Olly Woodburn

10. Tom Heathcote

9. Mark McMillan

1. Charlie Beech

2. Brett Sharman

3. David Wilson

4. Dominic Day

5. Ryan Caldwell

6. Josh Ovens

7. Guy Mercer (c)

8. Nick Koster

Replacements

16. Tom Dunn

17. Anthony Perenise

18. Kane Palma-Newport

19. Will Spencer

20. Will Skuse

21. Chris Cook

22. Ollie Devoto

23. Ben Williams