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Tom Tainton writes

Posted Thursday, August 30th 2018 @thomastainton

Team news: Bristol Bears vs Bath Rugby

Thursday, August 30th 2018

Six players will make their competitive debuts for the club when Bristol Bears kick off the Gallagher Premiership season on Friday (7.45pm KO).

Six players to make competitive debuts versus Bath
Steven Luatua to skipper the side for opening clash
Ten internationals in starting line-up
Three Academy graduates in squad

Pat Lam’s men face Bath in front of a club record crowd at Ashton Gate and the head coach hands maiden starts to Luke Daniels and Nic Stirzaker in the backline.

Meanwhile, in the pack, Yann Thomas, Harry Thacker and John Afoa form a new-look front row partnership, while George Smith is included at openside.

New Zealand international Steven Luatua will skipper the side for the round one West Country derby clash.

Charles Piutau (shoulder) misses out, while another new arrival – Aly Muldowney (neck) – is also unavailable for selection.

"We have to go out there and celebrate the work that we do on the training ground and put our teamwork into practice. Everybody is busting a gut to be involved at Ashton Gate."

Head coach Pat Lam

Lam said: “We couldn’t ask for a better game to start with: a derby against our neighbours. We’re really excited about Friday and also that our community are getting behind the team and supporting Bristol Bears in huge numbers.

“It brings huge responsibility. We have to go out there and celebrate the work that we do on the training ground and put our teamwork into practice. Everybody is busting a gut to be involved at Ashton Gate.”

Lam selects a five forwards and three backs split on the replacements bench, with Jake Woolmore, Shaun Malton and Jake Armstrong all in line to make their competitive debuts.

Bristol Bears team to face Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on Friday, August 31^st (7.45pm KO):

15. Luke Daniels; 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Will Hurrell, 12. Tusi Pisi, 11. Alapati Leiua; 10. Ian Madigan, 9. Nic Stirzaker; 1. Yann Thomas, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. John Afoa, 4. Ed Holmes, 5. Chris Vui, 6. Steve Luatua (c), 7. George Smith, 8. Jordan Crane.

Replacements: 16. Shaun Malton, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. Jake Armstrong, 19. Joe Latta, 20. Jack Lam, 21. Andy Uren, 22. Callum Sheedy, 23. Ryan Edwards.

Unavailable: Jack Cosgrove (foot), Sione Faletau (calf), Aly Muldowney (neck), John Hawkins (thumb), Dan Thomas (knee), Sam Jeffries (head), James Dun (knee), Siale Piutau (dead leg), Mat Protheroe (knee), Aaron Chapman (achilles), Charles Piutau (shoulder).

Tickets for Friday night's clash are available online by clicking here or via supporter services on 0117 963 0600.