Piutau back for Bristol’s clash with Newcastle
London: Charles Piutau is set for his return to first-team action when Bristol Bears kick off 2021 against high-flying Newcastle Falcons today.
The All Black is one of seven changes to Pat Lam’s men ahead of the Premiership encounter. Earlier this week, the Bears received their first positive result for a player since testing began in July. Despite all other players in the squad receiving negative results, the club followed Covid-19 competition protocols to isolate all front-row players who featured in the matchday squad versus Harlequins.
As a result, Peter McCabe, George Kloska and Jake Armstrong form a new-look frontrow, with all three set for first Premiership starts.
Meanwhile, Ed Holmes, Ben Earl, Dan Thomas, Siale Piutau and Max Malins are all handed rest weeks.
Andy Uren is recalled to the backline, while Joe Joyce and Jake Heenan are also named in the starting line-up.
The Bears are boosted by the return of Luke Morahan to the replacements, while Academy scholar hooker Aaron Thompson and Integrated Academy prop Andrew Turner are also named in the 23-man squad and could make competitive debuts. Kyle Sinckler returned to camp early from mandated leave for a Covid test and then took part in Thursday’s captain’s run to be listed among the replacements. Meanwhile, Argentina centre Matias Orlando lines up for his Newcastle Falcons debut on Friday when they make the Premiership trip to Ashton Gate. The 47-times-capped Pumas star has been named at inside centre for the clash, number eight Philip van der Walt also making his Premiership debut in a game which has been moved to a 3pm kick-off.
Bristol Bears: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Siva Naulago, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Piers O’Conor, 11 Ioan Lloyd, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Jake Heenan, 6 Steven Luatua (c), 5 Joe Joyce, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 Jake Armstrong, 2 George Kloska, 1 Peter McCabe Replacements: 16 Aaron Thompson, 17 Andrew Turner, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 John Hawkins, 20 Fitz Harding, 21 Harry Randall, 22 Alapati Leiua, 23 Luke Morahan.