Luatua and Piutau back to boost the Bears

STEVEN Luatua will make his 100th appearance for Bristol Bears when he makes his long-awaited return from injury in this afternoon’s Gallagher Premiership clash away to Sale Sharks.

The former All Black skippers the Bears in the North West and will be joined in the starting line-up by Charles Piutau, who is back from the broken nose he sustained against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens at the end of October.

Luke Morahan and Gabriel Ibitoye complete a dynamic back three, with Piers O’Conor returning to the side at outside centre, alongside Sam Bedlow. Will Porter and Callum Sheedy are selected at scrum-half and fly-half respectively.

Chris Vui is back from Samoa duty to take his place in the second row, where he partners Joe Batley.

Jake Woolmore, Bryan Byrne and Max Lahiff pack down in the front row, with Luatua, pictured, Fitz Harding and Magnus Bradbury at the back of the scrum.

Aristot Benz-Salomon could make his Premiership debut from the bench, and AJ MacGinty is another player back from international duty.

Sale have enjoyed a period of dominance over the Bears in recent seasons, winning four of their last five against the West Country side, although Pat Lam’s men won on their last visit to Sale in the last 16 of the Champions Cup, only to lose the home leg of the contest.

The Bears are currently on a fivematch losing streak in the top flight, but have won some recent friendlies.

Bristol Bears: C Piutau; L Morahan, P O’Conor, S Bedlow, G Ibitoye; C Sheedy, W Porter; J Woolmore, B Byrne, M Lahiff, J Batley, C Vui, S Luatua (capt), F Harding, M Bradbury. Replacements: H Thacker, A Benz-Salomon, J Tyack, J Hawkins, J Heenan, A Uren,