Lindsay gets Bears debut

TOM Lindsay is set to make his first Gallagher Premiership start for Bristol Bears against Exeter Chiefs this afternoon.

The hooker is one of six alterations to Pat Lam’s side for the Sandy Park clash, with only Jordan Crane and Chris Vui remaining in the pack from the team that overcame Newcastle Falcons last weekend.

Jake Woolmore and Lewis Thiede come into the front row, while Ed Holmes and Joe Joyce form the second row partnership. Vui switches to blindside flanker for the injured Steven Luatua and Jack Lam is selected at openside after recovering from a rib injury.

Head coach Pat Lam said: “On the back of a positive week of preparation, there is real excitement about Saturday’s game and testing ourselves against the league leaders on their home ground.

“It’s a huge challenge and one we are relishing. We need to be relentless in our physicality and approach the game with the right mindset from minute one.”

Bears include Andy Uren among the replacements and the Academy graduate could make his 50th competitive appearance for the club if he features.