Somerville to lead Gloucester's assault
Gloucester Rugby have been handed a huge boost ahead of Sunday’s West Country Derby clash against Bath Rugby, with Greg Somerville named to start at No.3 in this crucial Guinness Premiership fixture at The Rec.
The former All Blacks stalwart will start at tighthead prop in place of Paul Doran-Jones, with Pierre Capdevielle taking up Somerville’s place amongst the replacements.
Somerville’s return is a massive boost for the visitors in what is a key encounter for both West Country teams – Gloucester in eighth place on the Guinness Premiership standings and Bath down in 11th position.
“Bath are in a tough position and are fighting for their lives. If anyone thinks that we’re going to go down there and win easily then they’re dreaming,” said Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath.
“We’ve got to do down there and outplay Bath and doing that won’t be easy as they’re actually a very good side who have had a lot of injuries and a lot of upheaval at the club.
“A bit like us, they’ve lost a bit of confidence but they’re a dangerous team and we have to respect that.”
Meanwhile, Bath Rugby coach Steve Meehan has announced a powerful line-up for this mouth-watering West Country Derby.
Powerhouse England winger Matt Banahan – who just this week re-signed with Bath Rugby – returns to the starting line-up after two weeks on the sidelines (due to a suspension) and he will form a potent back three with Nick Abendanon and Michael Stephenson.
Captain Michael Claassens will once again start at scrumhalf, with Scotty Bemand backing him up on the bench, and South African Luke Watson (No.8) heads up an impressive loose trio alongside flankers Julian Salvi and Andy Beattie.
“These two clubs have enormous history,” commented Bath boss Meehan.
“It seems that more players travel from Bath Rugby to Gloucester now which adds a little extra excitement to it.
“I am sure that we have quite a challenge in front of us, but at the same time it is a great motivating factor and we are really looking forward to it.”
The teams:
Bath Rugby: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Michael Stephenson, 13 Matt Carraro, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Michael Claassens (captain), 8 Luke Watson, 7 Julian Salvi, 6 Andy Beattie, 5 Peter Short, 4 Stuart Hooper, 3 Duncan Bell, 2 Lee Mears, 1 David Flatman.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 David Barnes, 18 David Wilson, 19 Danny Grewcock, 20 Ben Skirving, 21 Scott Bemand, 22 Ryan Davis, 23 Jack Cuthbert.
Gloucester Rugby: 15 Olly Morgan, 14 Charlie Sharples, 13 James Simpson-Daniel, 12 Tim Molenaar, 11 Tom Voyce, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Rory Lawson, 8 Gareth Delve (captain), 7 Andrew Hazell, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Alex Brown, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Scott Lawson, 1 Nick Wood.
Replacements: 16 Darren Dawidiuk, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Pierre Capdevielle, 19 Adam Eustace, 20 Luke Narraway, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Carlos Spencer, 23 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu
Date: Sunday, December 27
Venue: The Recreaction Ground
Kick-off: 14.15
Referee: Sean Davey
Assistant referees: Robin Goodliffe, Luke Pearce
Television match official: Laurie Bryant
