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Bristol name team for Gloucester, hand starts to trio of new arrivals
By Online Editors
Bristol Bears have handed first starts to a trio of new arrivals as Pat Lam’s side head to Kingsholm on Friday for round 15 of the Gallagher Premiership on Friday.
Saracens loan duo Max Malins and Ben Earl both earn first starts, while Kyle Sinckler is also named in the starting line-up to face Gloucester in the West Country derby.
With three Premiership games in eight days, Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam has shuffled his pack, making eight changes from the side that overcame Saracens last weekend in a sixth successive Premiership win.
In the backline, Alapati Leiua and Andy Uren earn starts, while Harry Thacker and Joe Joyce are named in the pack. Tiff Eden and Bristolian duo Yann Thomas and Will Capon come onto the bench and could make their first outing since the competition restart.
Lam said: “This week has been about ensuring we improve and build on our team performance against Saracens. "I believe if we can add a bit more accuracy and detail to the outstanding teamwork rate and passion shown last week, it will give us a better chance to get the points on offer.
“While we’re excited about going to Kingsholm for our first away game since lockdown, the fact that Bristol have not won there for fourteen years emphasises the tough challenge we face tomorrow.”
BRISTOL BEARS (vs Gloucester, Friday)
15. Max Malins; 14. Alapati Leiua, 13. Semi Radradra, 12. Siale Piutau, 11. Henry Purdy; 10. Callum Sheedy, 9. Andy Uren; 1. Jake Woolmore, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. Kyle Sinckler, 4. Joe Joyce, 5. Chris Vui, 6. Steven Luatua (c), 7. Ben Earl, 8. Nathan Hughes.
System players: 16. Will Capon, 17. Yann Thomas, 18. Max Lahiff, 19. Ed Holmes, 20. Dan Thomas, 21. Harry Randall, 22. Tiff Eden, 23. Luke Morahan.
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Latest Comments
He doesn't generally do it at all, for anybody, so don't say too much the next one could be just as positive about the Springboks if you don't get carried away!
He also pointed out the "no killer instinct" narrative that they simply weren't good enough. Do yo disagree that SA were that great against NZ?
Readying the article I didn't even see that as a dig towards SA SF, simply an exciting take on how close the ABs really are again to those at the top. I feel it is more you that is taking away from this enjoyment with you replay that is largely based on a lot of old resentment.
Just enjoy how good the rugby is and that NZ is back baby!
Go to commentsAttack coach? What "attack"? All I saw was headless chooks pinballing around the paddock. This whole coaching group needs a shake-down. The BFs have regressed at pace since the Prof & Cronnie days.
We have immense talent, some of the best in world rugby, but it's wasted on this coaching group. I put Bunting in the same loser category as Penney & Foster. At this point in time, success at RWC2025 seems a longshot!?!
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