Faletau, the Wales and British and Irish Lions number eight, will pack down in the back row with openside flanker Guy Mercer, who captains the team, and blindside David Denton.

Fresh from their successful partnership in the England Saxons boiler room this summer in South Africa, Charlie Ewels and Dave Attwood start in the second row, whilst front rowers Nick Auterac, Tom Dunn and Henry Thomas get their first start of the pre-season campaign.

Samoa international Fotuali’i will combine with former Scarlets playmaker Rhys Priestland in the half-backs. Wing Matt Banahan is the only new face in the back three from last weekend’s victory against Yorkshire Carnegie, with fullback Tom Homer and right wing Jeff Williams retaining their spots. In the midfield, Max Clark moves from outside to inside centre, as Jonathan Joseph comes in at 13.

Bath Rugby team to face Scarlets

15. Tom Homer

14. Jeff Williams

13. Jonathan Joseph

12. Max Clark

11. Matt Banahan

10. Rhys Priestland

9. Kahn Fotuali’i

1. Nick Auterac

2. Tom Dunn

3. Henry Thomas

4. Dave Attwood

5. Charlie Ewels

6. David Denton

7. Guy Mercer ( c )

8. Taulupe Faletau

Replacements

16. Ross Batty

17. Nathan Catt

18. Kane Palma-Newport

19. Luke Charteris

20. Matt Garvey

21. Tom Ellis

22. David Sisi

23. Will Homer

24. George Ford

25. Dan Bowden

26. Anthony Watson

27. Harry Davies

Faletau and Fotuali’i to make first Bath Rugby appearances

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