Team news: Cornish Pirates vs Bristol Rugby

• 26.69 years old is the average age of Sunday's squad
• Pat Lam selects five players aged 24 or under
• Seven internationals included in starting line-up
• Tyler Gendall set for first competitive start

Head Coach Pat Lam makes three changes from the side that overcame Hartpury, as David Lemi comes into the backline for Tom Varndell (calf) and Soane Tonga’uiha starts in place of the unavailable Ryan Bevington (eye).

Tyler Gendall lines up against his former team-mates at Mennaye Field in place of Sione Faletau (pec), while loan arrival Nicky Thomas is included among the replacements.

“We’re fully aware of the significant challenge Cornish Pirates will present to us at the Mennaye Field on Sunday. Our preparation has been about improving our teamwork and the mindset needed to deal with the physicality and abrasiveness they are going to bring,” Lam said.

 “We’re excited by the challenge and it’s great to know there will be a big West Country following backing the team in Penzance – that’s a major boost for the squad.”

Jack Cosgrove could make his competitive debut from the bench after being listed among the replacements.

Bristol Rugby team to face Cornish Pirates on Sunday, 10 September at Mennaye Field (2.30pm KO):

15. Jordan Williams; 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Will Hurrell, 12. Tusi Pisi, 11. David Lemi; 10. Ian Madigan, 9. Rhodri Williams; 1. Soane Tonga’uiha, 2. Jason Harris-Wright, 3. Tyler Gendall, 4. Sam Jeffries, 5. Joe Latta (c), 6. Steven Luatua, 7. Dan Thomas, 8. Nick Haining.

Replacements: 16. Max Crumpton, 17. Jack Cosgrove, 18. Nicky Thomas, 19. Jordan Crane, 20. Ryan Glynn, 21. Billy Searle, 22. Mat Protheroe.