LCpl Semesa Rokoduguni (Scots DG) has returned to the Bath starting line-up for Saturday’s Premiership trip to Harlequins (KO 15:00).
Bath had a chastening afternoon against Saracens at the Recreation Ground last weekend, and Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper has made eight changes for Saturday’s clash at the Stoop, LCpl Rokoduguni among them.
However things do not get any easier for the under-pressure west country outfit, who come up against a Harlequins team that has largely carried on where they left off in the 2021 Final with their all-action dynamic attacking game.
“I know that we have to turn this around and I have absolute belief that we will, but it’s not driven by a pressure from above,” Hooper said this week. “It’s driven by a desire and a want and a pressure within the group to do that.
“I’ve got every confidence in the group, every confidence in the players and every confidence of going out this weekend and putting in a performance that allows us to get the win at Twickenham.”
Elsewhere in the professional game, Cpl Lewis Bean (Rifles) is on the bench for Glasgow this evening (Friday, October 22nd) as the Warriors welcome Leinster to Scotstoun.
There are seven changes to the Warriors’ starting line-up from that which ran out in Parma for last weekend’s win against Zebre, including the first outing of British and Irish Lions Zander Fagerson and Ali Price.
Glasgow have won their last three matches but face a notable step up in opposition this week, with Leinster sitting second in the table with a perfect four-from-four. With the Irish province’s attack the best in the United Rugby Championship and their defence having conceded just three tries in the campaign so far Glasgow Head Coach Danny Wilson is under no illusions as to the challenge ahead of his team.
“Leinster will be a big test for our squad,” he said. “They’ve been the benchmark for the rest of the competition in recent years and we know they’ll present a physical challenge tomorrow night.
“It’s important for us to finish this first block of fixtures in the right manner, and we want to build on our three straight wins ahead of the international window.”
Tonight’s game is live on Premier Sports 1.
Words © New Dogs, Old Tricks, Header and Featured Image © Alligin Photography, Lee Crabb
