Bath make two changes to squad facing Saints
Bath Rugby make just two changes to the side who beat London Wasps last weekend as they prepare to face Northampton Saints at the Recreation Ground tomorrow night for the Round Three Aviva Premiership clash, kick-off 19.45.
Paul James comes in at loosehead, with Nathan Catt switching to the bench. James joins Lee Mears and David Wilson in the front row, with Stuart Hooper and Dominic Day continuing their partnership in the engine room. Simon Taylor, Carl Fearns and Ben Skirving complete the pack.
The other change comes in the centres, with Ben Williams coming in for the injured Matt Banahan. Williams starts at inside centre, with Dan Hipkiss outside him, as Olly Barkley and Michael Claassens are once again selected in the half-back positions.
Tom Biggs and Kyle Eastmond, who both crossed the try line last weekend in the victory over Wasps, are named on the wings, with Nick Abendanon completing the line-up at fullback.
With both teams unbeaten so far, Head Coach Gary Gold knows that Friday will be a stern test for Bath.
“Northampton are a very strong side, who have made a good start to the competition. We all know about their strength in the forwards, but they also back that up with some hugely skilful backs who can attack from anywhere on the field.
“We were pleased with the performance against Wasps, but know there is still more we can do to improve and we have been working hard on this. It’s these big games that you want to be involved in – as a player and as a coach – and whilst it will be a big challenge for us tomorrow night, we are looking forward to it.”
Bath Rugby team to face Northampton Saints
15. Nick Abendanon
14. Kyle Eastmond
13. Dan Hipkiss
12. Ben Williams
11. Tom Biggs
10. Olly Barkley
9. Michael Claassens
1. Paul James
2. Lee Mears
3. David Wilson
4. Stuart Hooper (c)
5. Dominic Day
6. Simon Taylor
7. Carl Fearns
8. Ben Skirving
Replacements
16. Ross Batty
17. Nathan Catt
18. Anthony Perenise
19. Dave Attwood
20. Josh Ovens
21. Mark McMillan
22. Ollie Devoto
23. Jack Cuthbert
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