Bath Rugby have made six changes for Friday’s Challenge Cup quarter-final against London Irish at the Rec.
Cameron Redpath comes back into the starting XV after a spell on the sidelines with injury. The Scotland centre last featured in his country’s Guinness Six Nations win over England with his last Bath outing coming at the end of January.
He is joined in the midfield by Jonathan Joseph who was rested for the Blue, Black and White’s Round of 16 victory against Zebre. Ruaridh McConnochie also missed the trip to Italy and returns on the wing in an exciting back three containing Joe Cokanasiga and Anthony Watson.
Captain Charlie Ewels is available following a one-week suspension and the other two changes see Josh Bayliss and Zach Mercer earn starts.
Wales international Taulupe Faletau switches to blindside flanker in a pack which is unchanged in shirt numbers one to four.
Half-back duo Ben Spencer and Orlando Bailey continue their relationship for the third match running.
Hooker Jacques du Toit could run out at the Rec for the first time following his try-scoring debut last time out while Juan Schoeman and Mike Williams are back in the 23.
BATH RUGBY SIDE TO FACE London Irish
15. Anthony Watson, 14. Joe Cokanasiga, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Cameron Redpath, 11. Ruaridh McConnochie, 10. Orlando Bailey, 9. Ben Spencer; 1. Beno Obano, 2. Jack Walker, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Josh McNally, 5. Charlie Ewels ©, 6. Taulupe Faletau, 7. Josh Bayliss, 8. Zach Mercer
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jacques du Toit, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Henry Thomas, 19. Mike Williams, 20. Miles Reid, 21. Will Chudley, 22. Max Clark, 23. Alex Gray
The visitors
15. Tom Parton, 14. Ben Loader, 13. Theo Brophy Clews, 12. Terrence Hepetema, 11. Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10. Paddy Jackson, 9. Nick Phipps; 1. Facundo Gigena, 2. Agustin Creevy, 3. Lovejoy Chawatama, 4. George Nott, 5. Rob Simmons, 6. Matt Rogerson ©, 7. Blair Cowan, 8. Albert Tuisue.
Replacements
16. Matt Cornish, 17. Harry Elrington, 18. Ollie Hoskins, 19. Chunya Munga, 20. Ben Donnell, 21. Sean O’Brien, 22. Ben Meehan, 23. James Stokes
