Semesa Rokoduguni will make his 100th appearance in the Blue, Black and White as Aviva Premiership action returns to the Recreation Ground tomorrow for the top six clash between Bath Rugby and Northampton Saints, kick-off 19:45.
The 29-year-old, who made his first team debut in November 2012, has averaged nearly a try every other game for Bath, having scored 47 tries in his 99 appearances, including 10 so far this season.
Rokoduguni said: “I was surprised when I got an email the other day to say it will be my 100th appearance, which is really exciting. It’s going to be a really special occasion.
“We talk about it with my family back at home and I look back to the early days and think ‘who knew I would be playing professional rugby?’ Back then I wasn’t a professional rugby player type because I didn’t really play it at home and the tables turned just like that. It’s a journey that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Rokoduguni will take his place on the right wing, with Jack Wilson fresh a memorable try-scoring performance last weekend on the opposite side. Tom Homer starts once again at fullback with Max Clark and Ben Tapuai forming the centre partnership for the fixture against Jim Mallinder’s side. Co-captain Rhys Priestland and Kahn Fotuali’i form the half-back pairing and will look to take the game to the opposition.
Nathan Catt returns to the team after being released by England, and will be joined by Tom Dunn and Max Lahiff in the front row. Charlie Ewels is also eligible for selection for tomorrow’s game, and the 21-year-old will look to continue his rich vein of form alongside Elliott Stooke in the second row.
Francois Louw, who co-captains the side with Priestland, will join forces with Tom Ellis and Paul Grant in an imposing back row combination.
Amongst the replacements, Scotland international David Denton continues his comeback from injury after an encouraging 65 minutes against Newcastle Falcons last week in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.
Unavailable for selection: Dave Attwood, Nick Auterac, Matt Banahan, Josh Bayliss, Dan Bowden, Aled Brew, Luke Charteris, Taulupe Faletau, George Ford, Robbie Fruean, Matt Garvey, Jonathan Joseph, Zach Mercer, Henry Thomas, Anthony Watson
Bath Rugby team to face Northampton Saints
15. Tom Homer
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Max Clark
12. Ben Tapuai
11. Jack Wilson
10. Rhys Priestland (co-capt)
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
1. Nathan Catt
2. Tom Dunn
3. Max Lahiff
4. Elliott Stooke
5. Charlie Ewels
6. Tom Ellis
7. Francois Louw (co-capt)
8. Paul Grant
Replacements
16. Ross Batty
17. Beno Obano
18. Kane Palma-Newport
19. David Denton
20. Guy Mercer
21. Chris Cook
22. Adam Hastings
23. Harry Davies
