Bath Rugby has made five changes to the team that will face Benetton Rugby in the opening game of this year’s European Rugby Champions Cup at the Recreation Ground tomorrow, kick-off 17:30.
Josh Lewis will make his first start for the Club, whilst Max Clark, Nick Auterac, Tom Dunn and Luke Charteris all come into the starting line-up.
Lewis, who came on as a replacement during last weekend’s 29-13 win over Worcester Warriors, starts at fly-half and will be joined by Chris Cook in the half-back combination.
Clark returns to the side at inside centre, where he will feature alongside Jonathan Joseph. Aled Brew, who scored two tries in Saturday’s bonus-point win at the Rec, remains on the left wing, with Semesa Rokoduguni and Anthony Watson completing the back three.
In the front row, Auterac and Dunn come in for Beno Obano and Jack Walker at loosehead prop and hooker respectively, whilst Anthony Perenise continues at tighthead.
Charteris returns from his one game lay-off to join captain Charlie Ewels in the second row. The back row combination remains the same for the third successive game, with Zach Mercer, Sam Underhill and Taulupe Faletau looking to continue their rich vein of form.
Unavailable for selection: Dave Attwood, Matt Banahan, Ross Batty, Freddie Burns, Nathan Catt, Tom Ellis, Matt Garvey, Paul Grant, Tom Homer, Shaun Knight, Max Lahiff, Kane Palma-Newport, Rhys Priestland, Ben Tapuai, Henry Thomas, Jeff Williams, Jack Walker
Bath Rugby team to face Benetton Rugby
15. Anthony Watson
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Max Clark
11. Aled Brew
10. Josh Lewis
9. Chris Cook
1. Nick Auterac
2. Tom Dunn
3. Anthony Perenise
4. Charlie Ewels (c)
5. Luke Charteris
6. Zach Mercer
7. Sam Underhill
8. Taulupe Faletau
Replacements:
16. Nathan Charles
17. Beno Obano
18. Scott Andrews
19. James Phillips
20. Francois Louw
21. Kahn Fotuali’i
22. Jack Wilson
23. Darren Allinson
