Bath Rugby make seven changes to the side as the Blue, Black and White open up their 2020/21 Heineken Champions Cup campaign against Scarlets at the Rec on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 15:15, live on BT Sport 2).
Following international duty in the recent Autumn Nations Cup competition, the side are boosted by the return of England’s Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Will Stuart and Sam Underhill, as well as Wales’ Taulupe Faletau.
Will Stuart comes into the front row and will make his first appearance of the season following his involvement in the Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup, joining Beno Obano and Tom Dunn.
Charlie Ewels comes in for Elliott Stooke at lock and captains the side whilst Underhill and Faletau replace Josh Bayliss and Zach Mercer respectively.
Joseph slots into midfield with Josh Matavesi switching into the 10 shirt to replace Rhys Priestland, who is recovering from his head injury against Worcester Warriors in Round 3 of the Gallagher Premiership.
Joe Cokanasiga replaces Semesa Rokoduguni on the wide channel and Watson comes in for Tom de Glanville at full-back.
Bath Rugby side to face Scarlets
15. Anthony Watson, 14. Joe Cokanasiga, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Cameron Redpath, 11. Ruaridh McConnochie, 10. Josh Matavesi, 9. Ben Spencer; 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Josh McNally, 5. Charlie Ewels (C), 6. Mike Williams, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Taulupe Faletau
Replacements
16. Jack Walker, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Christian Judge, 19. Elliott Stooke, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. Zach Mercer, 22. Will Chudley, 23. Semesa Rokoduguni
SCARLETS SIDE TO FACE BATH RUGBY
15. Leigh Halfpenny; 14. Ryan Conbeer, 13. Tyler Morgan, 12. Steff Hughes (c), 11. Steff Evans; 10. Dan Jones, 9. Gareth Davies; 1. Wyn Jones, 2. Ryan Elias, 3. Samson Lee, 4. Jake Ball, 5. Sam Lousi, 6. Blade Thomson, 7. Jac Morgan, 8. Sione Kalamafoni
REPLACEMENTS
Reps: 16. Marc Jones, 17. Rob Evans, 18. Javan Sebastian, 19. Morgan Jones, 20. Josh Macleod, 21. Kieran Hardy, 22. Angus O’Brien, 23. Jonathan Davies.
