Get ready for an action-packed showdown as the Bristol Bears gear up to face off against the Northampton Saints in round two of the Gallagher Premiership. The Bears will be boosted by the inclusion of Virimi Vakatawa, who will be making his first start for the team. Vakatawa, a French international, will be lining up at outside centre alongside Benhard Janse van Rensburg in the midfield. The Bears will also see the return of Callum Sheedy at fly-half, replacing the injured AJ MacGinty. Max Lahiff is the only change to the pack from their previous victory over the Leicester Tigers. With former Jersey Reds loosehead Sam Grahamslaw potentially making his debut for the club, the Bears have a strong squad ready to take on the Saints.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s win in round one and acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. The Gallagher Premiership is known for its tough competition, and the Bears are well aware that they need to bring their A-game against the dangerous Saints. Lam highlighted the entertaining nature of the game between the two teams, with both sides adopting an attacking approach. The match will be held at Franklin’s Gardens, a venue known for its great atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd. The Bears are excited for the upcoming clash on Saturday.
Here is the Bristol Bears lineup for the match against the Northampton Saints:
– Fullback: Rich Lane
– Right Wing: Noah Heward
– Outside Centre: Virimi Vakatawa
– Inside Centre: Benhard Janse van Rensburg
– Left Wing: Gabriel Ibitoye
– Fly-Half: Callum Sheedy
– Scrum-Half: Harry Randall
– Loosehead Prop: Jake Woolmore
– Hooker: Harry Thacker
– Tighthead Prop: Max Lahiff
– Lock: James Dun
– Lock: Joe Batley
– Blindside Flanker: Fitz Harding
– Openside Flanker: Dan Thomas
– Number 8: Magnus Bradbury
On the bench, the Bears have a strong lineup of replacements, including Will Capon, Sam Grahamslaw, George Kloska, Josh Caulfield, Jake Heenan, Kieran Marmion, James Williams, and Piers O’Conor.
Unfortunately, the Bears will be missing several key players due to injuries and other reasons. Ellis Genge, Yann Thomas, Kyle Sinckler, Jay Tyack, Gabriel Oghre, Chris Vui, Steven Luatua, Santiago Grondona, AJ MacGinty, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Siva Naulago, Jack Bates, and Max Malins will be unavailable for the match. Despite these absences, the Bears are confident in their abilities and are ready to give it their all on the field.