Josh McNally will captain Bath Rugby as the side prepare for the visit of newly promoted Newcastle Falcons in Round 1 of the Gallagher Premiership at the Rec on Saturday (kick-off 12:30, BT Sport Extra).
Lewis Boyce, Jack Walker and Henry Thomas form together in the front row for the first outing of the season with McNally and Will Spencer at lock. Mike Williams, Miles Reid and Zach Mercer come together in a new-look back row.
Ben Spencer and Rhys Priestland will look to reignite their partnership from post-restart last season as the nine and ten will look pull the strings tomorrow afternoon.
Outside of this pairing Josh Matavesi will line-up against his former side for the first time and is joined in midfield by Cameron Redpath.
Bath Rugby name a strong back three with Ruaridh McConnochie and Joe Cokanasiga positioned on the wide channels with young Tom de Glanville at full-back.
A notable appearance on the bench sees Charlie Ewels retained from International duty this weekend, therefore the lock will be available for the opening fixture.
Bath Rugby side to face Newcastle Falcons
15. Tom de Glanville, 14. Ruaridh McConnochie, 13. Cameron Redpath, 12. Josh Matavesi, 11. Joe Cokanasiga, 10. Rhys Priestland, 9. Ben Spencer; 1. Lewis Boyce, 2. Jack Walker, 3. Henry Thomas, 4. Josh McNally (C), 5. Will Spencer, 6. Mike Williams, 7. Miles Reid, 8. Zach Mercer
Replacements
16. Ross Batty, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Christian Judge, 19. Charlie Ewels, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. Will Chudley, 22. Max Clark, 23. Semesa Rokoduguni
Newcastle Falcons side to face Bath Rugby
Replacements
