Webb thrown straight in for derby day
WALES international scrum-half Rhys Webb is handed a first start for Bath as rugby director Stuart Hooper makes a bold statement of intent.
Webb signed on from Toulon only last week but is thrust straight into the limelight as Hooper lays out his manifesto for Premiership domination.
With his side nudging into play-off contention, Hooper said: “Being brutally honest, we would not bring people in who we did not think would help us win the Premiership this year.
“There is an opportunity because of the work the lads have put in and what has happened over the last few weeks, so we want people here who want to win and want to get better. He (Webb) fits that bill, as does our other signing, Cameron Redpath.”
Redpath is not yet ready but Webb replaces Chris Cook for Bath, who are also boosted by the return of England tighthead Will Stuart and Welsh No.8 Toby Faletau. One further change up front sees Mike Williams drafted into the back row for Tom Ellis.
Bath’s forwards have been on fire and Bristol enforcer Chris Vui knows his side must subdue their threat if Bristol are to consolidate a play-off place.
The Samoan back row told The Rugby Paper:
“Bristol haven’t beaten Bath at the Rec since 2006 so to do the double over them would be huge for our but we know we’re going to have to play some tough rugby, like against Worcester last week.
“They’ll be out for revenge after we beat them on the opening day and they have a really good scrum and lineout, so we’ll have to work hard there. But we analyse all our opponents and have identified areas where we feel we can achieve some joy.”
Bristol welcome back skipper Steven Luatua as Pat Lam makes seven changes. Jordan Crane wins his first start of the season at No.8 while further pack changes see Shaun Malton and Yann Thomas drafted into the front row with Ed Holmes in the engine room.
Alapati Leiua deputises for hamstring victim Henry Purdy in the backs, while Andy Uren rotates with Harry Randall at No.9.
Having bounced back from a string of disappointing results over Christmas and New Year with encourfans, aging wins over Gloucester, Northampton and Worcester, Vui wants his team to step up their game in a race for Premiership glory.
He said: “We fixed up a few things in our game in January, went back to basics a bit and responded pretty well with three wins. Against Worcester, we were super stoked to beat them for the first time since being back in the Premiership.
“Our goal was to make the top six but we were third going into this weekend, so we’re pushing for the top four now and want to stay there.
“We want to play exciting, unpredictable and fearless rugby but we’re prepared to do the dirty stuff as well and we’re reaching the point in the season now where it really counts. We’ve just got to keep going if we want to hit our targets.”