Rugby / Bristol Bears
Chris Vui returns to starting lineup for Bristol Bears versus Bath
It’s difficult not to imagine what Ashton Gate would feel like on Friday night if fans were allowed into the stadium for the visit of fierce local rivals Bath.
Thank goodness then for BT Sport which is broadcasting the match live and Bristol Bears’ new Bears TV for all the behind-the-scenes action.
Bristol are looking for their fourth home win against Bath on the bounce, with the Bears currently sitting on top of the Premiership table while Bath lie in ninth place with 12 points to Bristol’s 24.
is needed now More than ever
Back from injury, Samoa captain Chris Vui returns to the starting lineup for the first time in 2021, with Ioan Lloyd selected to make his first Premiership start at fly half ahead of Callum Sheedy, who has returned to Failand from the Wales Six Nations squad.
Bristol Bears prop Jake Woolmore said that “in derby day fixtures, anything can happen, so we understand the challenge that is in front of us and know we’ll need to be at our best again on Friday night”.
He said: “It’s obviously a huge shame that this game will be played without supporters, especially when you think about the sell-out crowds it has attracted over the past few seasons, but we know the fans will be supporting us from their homes and we’ll be aiming to put a smile on their faces.”
Jake Woolmore and John Afoa run onto the field ahead of Bristol Bears vs Bath in 2019 – photo: Patrick Khachfe/JMP
Friday evening’s game signals the continuation of the Premiership season following a fortnight’s absence.
Bears director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “It’s a derby and there are some quality players in that Bath side, and we know how dangerous they can be.
“We fully expect them to be fired up and coming at us, but I think the two weeks hasn’t been about Bath, the two weeks has been about us and about where we can continue to climb that mountain.
“We’re ahead of the pack at the moment, but we’ve got to keep growing ourselves and getting better every week.”
Main photo: JMP
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