Team news: Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears

The Samoan captain recovers from a groin injury to be named in an exciting line-up as Bristol go in search of back-to-back wins in the competition.

Head coach Pat Lam makes two changes from the side that beat Leicester in round nine, as Jack Lam comes into the back row.

“We have to go to the AJ Bell with no fear and an excitement about what we can accomplish on the road,” said Lam.

“It’s a big challenge to go up there but it’s one we’re looking forward to. Our main thing is the work we do at training to continue putting our heads down and getting the hard work done and then the result will take care of itself.”

Tom Lindsay comes onto the bench with Shaun Malton (groin) unavailable, while Lam includes three Academy products among the replacements.

Bristol Bears team to face Sale Sharks at AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday, December 22nd (3pm KO):

15. Charles Piutau; 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Will Hurrell, 12. Siale Piutau (co-capt),11. Alapati Leiua; 10. Ian Madigan 9. Harry Randall; 1. Yann Thomas, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. John Afoa, 4. Chris Vui, 5. Aly Muldowney, 6. Steve Luatua (co-capt), 7. George Smith, 8. Jack Lam.

Replacements: 16. Tom Lindsay, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Joe Joyce, 20. Dan Thomas, 21. Andy Uren, 22. Callum Sheedy, 23. Piers O’Conor.

Unavailable: Will Capon (shoulder), Shaun Malton (groin), Joe Latta (eye), Sam Jeffries (back), Joe Batley (ankle), Aaron Chapman (ankle), Ryan Edwards (Achilles).