23 December 2016

Nathan Catt, Matt Garvey and Semesa Rokoduguni all return to the Bath Rugby starting line-up for the crucial Aviva Premiership fixture against Wasps at the Ricoh Arena on Christmas Eve, kick-off 14:00.

The trio, who missed last week’s 38-3 victory against Cardiff Blues, come back into the side to face an in-form Wasps side, who lie two points above third-placed Bath in the Aviva Premiership table in second.

Rokoduguni, who is the Club’s top try scorer in the league with five tries so far, takes his place on the right wing, with Aled Brew, who opened his account with a try of his own against the Blues, continues on the left wing.

Tom Homer starts once again at fullback with Ben Tapuai and Jonathan Joseph making their first start together in the Premiership in the midfield.

The half-back pairing of Kahn Fotuali’i and George Ford, who co-captains the team with Garvey, will look to pull the strings in this much-anticipated encounter in Coventry.

Ross Batty, fresh from his try-scoring exploits in Cardiff, one of which included a 70m run-in, starts at hooker with Catt and Max Lahiff either side.

Luke Charteris and Dave Attwood make up the second row with Garvey, Francois Louw and Taulupe Faletau lining up in the back row to complete an imposing forward pack,.

Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder stressed the importance of this weekend’s fixture: “We’re really looking forward to Saturday’s game and the squad will take a great deal of confidence from last week’s performance against Cardiff.

“However, we are well aware of Wasps quality all over the field, and will have to be at our very best to ensure that the scoreline is in our favour at the final whistle. It’s a crucial festive period for us and a win would set us up really well for the visit of Exeter Chiefs on New Year’s Eve.”

David Sisi, who made his comeback from injury for Bath United earlier this week, has been dual-registered with London Scottish to get valuable game time following his return to action.

Unavailable for selection: Matt Banahan, Dan Bowden, David Denton, Rhys Priestland, Henry Thomas, Anthony Watson.

Bath Rugby team to face Wasps

15. Tom Homer

14. Semesa Rokoduguni

13. Jonathan Joseph

12. Ben Tapuai

11. Aled Brew

10. George Ford ©

9. Kahn Fotuali’i

1. Nathan Catt

2. Ross Batty

3. Max Lahiff

4. Luke Charteris

5. Dave Attwood

6. Matt Garvey ©

7. Francois Louw

8. Taulupe Faletau

Replacements

16. Tom Dunn

17. Nick Auterac

18. Kane Palma-Newport

19. Elliott Stooke

20. Tom Ellis

21. Darren Allinson

22. Adam Hastings

23. Max Clark