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Team news: Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears - GP R11

Steven Luatua will make his 100th competitive appearance for Bristol Bears when he makes his long-awaited return from injury against Sale Sharks at the Salford City Stadium on Saturday (1pm KO).

  • Steven Luatua set for 100th competitive appearance
  • Charles Piutau returns at full-back
  • Chris Vui back from international duty

The All Black captains the Bears in the North West and is joined in the starting XV by Charles Piutau, back from a broken nose sustained against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.

Luke Morahan and Gabriel Ibitoye complete a dynamic back three, with Piers O’Conor returning to the side at outside centre, alongside Sam Bedlow.

Chris Vui is back from Samoa duty to take his place in the second row, while Will Porter continues in the number nine shirt and partners Callum Sheedy at half-back.

Among the system players, Aristot Benz-Salomon could make his Gallagher Premiership debut and AJ MacGinty is another player back from international duty.

Bristol Bears team to face Sale Sharks at the Salford City Stadium on Saturday (1pm KO):

15. Charles Piutau (69 apps), 14. Luke Morahan (106 apps), 13. Piers O’Conor (116 apps), 12. Sam Bedlow (56 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (2 apps), 10. Callum Sheedy (141 apps), 9. Will Porter (3 apps); 1. Jake Woolmore (117 apps), 2. Bryan Byrne (38 apps), 3. Max Lahiff (50 apps), 4. Joe Batley (25 apps), 5. Chris Vui (100 apps), 6. Steven Luatua (c) (99 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (37 apps), 8. Magnus Bradbury (8 apps).

System players: 16. Harry Thacker (83 apps), 17. Aristot Benz-Salomon (2 apps), 18. Jay Tyack (3 apps), 19. John Hawkins (43 apps), 20. Jake Heenan (77 apps), 21. Andy Uren (143 apps), 22. AJ MacGinty (8 apps), 23. Joe Jenkins (3 apps).

Unavailable: Yann Thomas, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Will Capon, Ed Holmes, Joe Joyce, Morgan Eames, Sam Jeffries, Harry Randall, Ioan Lloyd, James Williams, Semi Radradra, Siva Naulago, Toby Fricker, Jack Bates, Henry Purdy.


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