Vakatawa to start against the Saints

FRENCH star Virimi Vakatawa will make his first start for Bristol Bears when they face Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens today, writes John Evely.

The France international has been selected at outside centre for the Bears’ first away day of the new season, partnering Benhard Janse van Rensburg.

Callum Sheedy returns at flyhalf in place of the injured AJ MacGinty, while Max Lahiff is the only change to the pack from the round one victory over Leicester.

Among the replacements is the former Jersey Reds loosehead Sam Grahamslaw, who could make his debut for the club.

Director of rugby Pat Lam, a former Northampton favourite as a player, said: “We were very pleased to get a win in round one against a good Leicester side and in front of our own supporters.

“The nature and quality of the Gallagher Premiership means the challenges keep on coming and we know we’ll need to be at our best against a dangerous Saints team this weekend.

“It’s always an entertaining game against Saints because of the willingness of both teams to play attacking rugby with a nofear approach.

“It’s a good surface and a great crowd at Franklin’s Gardens, so we’re excited for the game.”

Bristol Bears: R Lane; N Heward, V Vakatawa, B Janse van Rensburg, G Ibitoye; C Sheedy, H Randall; J Woolmore, H Thacker, M Lahiff, J Dun, J Batley, F Harding (capt), D Thomas, M Bradbury. Reps: W Capon, S Grahamslaw, G Kloska, J Caulfield, J Heenan, K Marmion, J Williams, P O’Conor.

Finn Russell is set to make his first start for Bath Rugby in a half-back pairing with captain Ben Spencer when the Blue, Black & Whites tackle Saracens away in the Gallagher Premiership today.

Ruaridh McConnochie will also get his first start of the season, taking the number 11 spot, with Josh McNally set to come off the bench in his first appearance of the new league campaign.

Changes have also been made in the front row, with Niall Annett, Juan Schoeman and Johannes Jonker take starting positions.

Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels remain at lock, with Miles Reid at blindside in place of Ted Hill, who faces a long spell out injured.

Chris Cloete and Alfie Barbeary complete the pack, while Will Butt and Cameron Redpath are in the centres, with Joe Cokanasiga and Tom de Glanville joining wing McConnochie in the back three. Bath Rugby: