Garvey starts at second row alongside Dave Attwood, who impressed in the victories over Edinburgh Rugby and Scarlets in an unbeaten pre-season campaign for the Blue, Black and White. Jack Walker lines up at hooker, with Nathan Catt and Henry Thomas completing a powerful front row.

Zach Mercer starts at blindside with Sam Underhill at openside, and Taulupe Faletau completing the back row at number eight.

Chris Cook will link-up with Rhys Priestland in the half-back combination, as Bath look to get their campaign off to a flying start. Jamie Roberts and Jackson Willison, who joined the Club from Harlequins and Worcester Warriors respectively over the summer, form an all new centre partnership.

Joe Cokanasiga starts on the left wing after scoring a brace against Scarlets, and the new arrival will be looking to bring his attacking power into tomorrow night’s game. Semesa Rokoduguni makes his Gallagher Premiership return on the right wing, with Tom Homer at fullback.

Bath Rugby team to face Bristol Bears (appearances in brackets)

1. Nathan Catt (153)

2. Jack Walker (17)

3. Henry Thomas (74)

4. Dave Attwood (136)

5. Matt Garvey (117)

6. Zach Mercer (36)

7. Sam Underhill (8)

8. Taulupe Faletau (30)

9. Chris Cook (112)

10. Rhys Priestland (57)

11. Joe Cokanasiga (debut)

12. Jamie Roberts (debut)

13. Jackson Willison (debut)

14. Semesa Rokoduguni (118)

15. Tom Homer (65)

Replacements

16. Tom Dunn (84)

17. Will Vaughan (3)

18. Anthony Perenise (100)

19. Elliott Stooke (61)

20. Francois Louw (115)

21. Max Green (9)

22. Freddie Burns (24)

23. Aled Brew (43)

A limited number of tickets are available for tomorrow night's game against Bristol Bears and can be purchased here

Garvey leads Bath Rugby against Bristol Bears

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