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BristolBristolGeorge SmithIan MadiganSteven Luatua

Six debuts as Bristol Bears roll out the big guns to face Bath

John Afoa is staying on at Bristol (Getty Images)

Six players will make their competitive debuts for the club when Bristol Bears kick off the Gallagher Premiership season on Friday against West Country rivals Bath.

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Pat Lam’s men face Bath in front of a club record crowd at Ashton Gate and the head coach hands maiden starts to Luke Daniels and Nic Stirzaker in the backline.

Meanwhile, in the pack, Yann Thomas, Harry Thacker and John Afoa form a new-look front row partnership, while George Smith is included at openside.

New Zealand international Steven Luatua will skipper the side for the round one West Country derby clash.

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Charles Piutau (shoulder) misses out, while another new arrival – Aly Muldowney (neck) – is also unavailable for selection.

Lam said: “It brings huge responsibility. We have to go out there and celebrate the work that we do on the training ground and put our teamwork into practice. Everybody is busting a gut to be involved at Ashton Gate.”

Lam selects a five forwards and three backs split on the replacements bench, with Jake Woolmore, Shaun Malton and Jake Armstrong all in line to make their competitive debuts.

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Bristol Bears team to face Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on Friday, August 31st (7.45pm KO):

15. Luke Daniels
14. Luke Morahan
13. Will Hurrell
12. Tusi Pisi
11. Alapati Leiua
10. Ian Madigan
9. Nic Stirzaker
1. Yann Thomas
2. Harry Thacker
3. John Afoa
4. Ed Holmes
5. Chris Vui
6. Steve Luatua (c)
7. George Smith
8. Jordan Crane

Replacements: 16. Shaun Malton, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. Jake Armstrong, 19. Joe Latta, 20. Jack Lam, 21. Andy Uren, 22. Callum Sheedy, 23. Ryan Edwards.

Unavailable: Jack Cosgrove (foot), Sione Faletau (calf), Aly Muldowney (neck), John Hawkins (thumb), Dan Thomas (knee), Sam Jeffries (head), James Dun (knee), Siale Piutau (dead leg), Mat Protheroe (knee), Aaron Chapman (achilles), Charles Piutau (shoulder).

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Bath’s line-up

Bath Rugby team to face Bristol Bears (appearances in brackets)

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1. Nathan Catt (153)
2. Jack Walker (17)
3. Henry Thomas (74)
4. Dave Attwood (136)
5. Matt Garvey (117)
6. Zach Mercer (36)
7. Sam Underhill (8)
8. Taulupe Faletau (30)

9. Chris Cook (112)
10. Rhys Priestland (57)
11. Joe Cokanasiga (debut)
12. Jamie Roberts (debut)
13. Jackson Willison (debut)
14. Semesa Rokoduguni (118)
15. Tom Homer (65)

Replacements

16. Tom Dunn (84)
17. Will Vaughan (3)
18. Anthony Perenise (100)
19. Elliott Stooke (61)
20. Francois Louw (115)
21. Max Green (9)
22. Freddie Burns (24)
23. Aled Brew (43)

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A
Ace 12 minutes ago
Dragons RFC vs Stormers | Live & Latest Rugby Union Scores & Results | RugbyPass

Stormers performance thus far: Kak. Seriously kak. Sacha having his worst game in a Stormers jersey.


That yc against Moerat was a fkn joke. The clunt impersonating a referee managed to get Fouche banned for four weeks for absofknlutely nothing and now he’s apparently doing the same to Moerat.

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GertraudHubert 35 minutes ago
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Ginter 39 minutes ago
Crusaders boosted by the return of two All Blacks for Southern Derby

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NB 56 minutes ago
As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?

Not hidden. And stop talking such arrant nonsense.

97 Go to comments
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BC 1 hour ago
Wallaroos vs Black Ferns: Wallaroos close the gap, teenager’s dream debut

Surprised the TMO allowed the BFs 3rd try as it was a blatant knock on, clear separation between hand and ball before they made contact again.

2 Go to comments
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Jaqueline Harrison 1 hour ago
Peter O’Mahony scores on his final Thomond Park game as Munster edge past Ulster

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BC 1 hour ago
Wallaroos vs Black Ferns: Wallaroos close the gap, teenager’s dream debut

The expected result. though Jo Yapp has made the Wallaroos more competitive. From the snippets I have seen, the Aussies will be badly beaten up by England, Canada and France in the forwards. I don’t think any of the other top nations will have been too worried by what they saw from either team.

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Cecilia Diesch 1 hour ago
Ex-England star Matt Kvesic to make competitive return after nasty injury

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Cecilia Diesch 1 hour ago
Ex-England star Matt Kvesic to make competitive return after nasty injury

Online scams and cybercrime have reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on lives, draining hard-earned savings, and crippling businesses. Fraudsters operate under various guises, including fake investment platforms, binary options scams, forex trading fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes designed to steal from unsuspecting victims. These criminals are highly sophisticated, employing psychological manipulation and making fake promises of high returns to lure people in, only to vanish with their money. I am sharing my story as a warning to others who may find themselves in similar situations. I was once a victim of a well-orchestrated binary options scam, where I lost a staggering $150,300 in Bitcoin to a fraudulent broker. At first, everything seemed legitimate. The platform appeared professional, and the promises of high returns were enticing. However, once I invested my money, the scammers disappeared without a trace, leaving me stranded and devastated. The emotional toll was unbearable; I felt hopeless, trapped in a cycle of depression, and unsure if I would ever recover my lost funds. Fortunately, I eventually met TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY, a trusted and highly skilled investigative and recovery agency. Their team of cybersecurity experts specializes in tracking and recovering funds lost to online scams. With their help, I was able to reclaim my stolen money and get my life back on track. Their persistence and technical expertise were miraculous, providing me with the support I desperately needed during a dark time. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any form of online fraud, whether it’s a fake investment scheme or cryptocurrency theft, I urge you to seek help immediately. Time is critical in these cases, and the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery. TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY has proven to be a reliable solution for countless victims like me. They utilize advanced techniques to trace stolen funds, expose fraudsters, and assist in legal actions when necessary. Don’t let shame or fear keep you silent; scammers thrive when victims remain quiet. To anyone reading this: Stay vigilant, conduct thorough research before investing, and never trust opportunities that seem "too good to be true." If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up hope; contact a reputable recovery service like TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY for assistance. WhatsApp them at +15617263697 or Telegram at +15617263697. Your path to recovery may be closer than you think.

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E
EK 1 hour ago
Santiago Cordero 1 of 7 players confirmed to be exiting Connacht

Vannes are in the top 14 this season not Pro D2 as indicated in the article

3 Go to comments
I
IkeaBoy 1 hour ago
Farrell puts his reputation on the line knowing tougher challenges lie ahead

How? They only won by 25 PTS.


Imagine Drico was playing…

10 Go to comments
I
IkeaBoy 1 hour ago
Farrell puts his reputation on the line knowing tougher challenges lie ahead

You sound like you'd squeeze the joy out of a hand job.

10 Go to comments
I
IkeaBoy 2 hours ago
Maro Itoje's captaincy credentials have been questioned before

Honestly take a bow, fella.

The games values are still alive.

5 Go to comments
I
IkeaBoy 2 hours ago
Brendan Fanning: 'Leinster have the best-resourced squad in these islands but can’t make it pay.'

One hundred percent. The days of buying your opponent a beer post-match and apologising for a neck roll are gone. At that level anyways.


I'm at the bar pint in hand. An unseasonably hot day over here in Belfast. The stormers game is 17.15 our time.


They’ll be fine but wouldn't be the worse thing for them if the dragons put it up to them for 60 mins.


Enjoy it, chief.

21 Go to comments
C
Cecilia Diesch 2 hours ago
'They have my number': Freddie Burns on potential Prem suitor

Online scams and cybercrime have reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on lives, draining hard-earned savings, and crippling businesses. Fraudsters operate under various guises, including fake investment platforms, binary options scams, forex trading fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes designed to steal from unsuspecting victims. These criminals are highly sophisticated, employing psychological manipulation and making fake promises of high returns to lure people in, only to vanish with their money. I am sharing my story as a warning to others who may find themselves in similar situations. I was once a victim of a well-orchestrated binary options scam, where I lost a staggering $150,300 in Bitcoin to a fraudulent broker. At first, everything seemed legitimate. The platform appeared professional, and the promises of high returns were enticing. However, once I invested my money, the scammers disappeared without a trace, leaving me stranded and devastated. The emotional toll was unbearable; I felt hopeless, trapped in a cycle of depression, and unsure if I would ever recover my lost funds. Fortunately, I eventually met TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY, a trusted and highly skilled investigative and recovery agency. Their team of cybersecurity experts specializes in tracking and recovering funds lost to online scams. With their help, I was able to reclaim my stolen money and get my life back on track. Their persistence and technical expertise were miraculous, providing me with the support I desperately needed during a dark time. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any form of online fraud, whether it’s a fake investment scheme or cryptocurrency theft, I urge you to seek help immediately. Time is critical in these cases, and the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery. TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY has proven to be a reliable solution for countless victims like me. They utilize advanced techniques to trace stolen funds, expose fraudsters, and assist in legal actions when necessary. Don’t let shame or fear keep you silent; scammers thrive when victims remain quiet. To anyone reading this: Stay vigilant, conduct thorough research before investing, and never trust opportunities that seem "too good to be true." If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up hope; contact a reputable recovery service like TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY for assistance. WhatsApp them at +15617263697 or Telegram at +15617263697. Your path to recovery may be closer than you think.

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I
IkeaBoy 2 hours ago
Peter O’Mahony scores on his final Thomond Park game as Munster edge past Ulster

Pete, you did it!!!!


Warrior to the end. The gardening can wait. One last push, son!

1 Go to comments
C
Cecilia Diesch 2 hours ago
Mid-air Lions call: How Ospreys star Jac Morgan reacted

Online scams and cybercrime have reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on lives, draining hard-earned savings, and crippling businesses. Fraudsters operate under various guises, including fake investment platforms, binary options scams, forex trading fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes designed to steal from unsuspecting victims. These criminals are highly sophisticated, employing psychological manipulation and making fake promises of high returns to lure people in, only to vanish with their money. I am sharing my story as a warning to others who may find themselves in similar situations. I was once a victim of a well-orchestrated binary options scam, where I lost a staggering $150,300 in Bitcoin to a fraudulent broker. At first, everything seemed legitimate. The platform appeared professional, and the promises of high returns were enticing. However, once I invested my money, the scammers disappeared without a trace, leaving me stranded and devastated. The emotional toll was unbearable; I felt hopeless, trapped in a cycle of depression, and unsure if I would ever recover my lost funds. Fortunately, I eventually met TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY, a trusted and highly skilled investigative and recovery agency. Their team of cybersecurity experts specializes in tracking and recovering funds lost to online scams. With their help, I was able to reclaim my stolen money and get my life back on track. Their persistence and technical expertise were miraculous, providing me with the support I desperately needed during a dark time. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any form of online fraud, whether it’s a fake investment scheme or cryptocurrency theft, I urge you to seek help immediately. Time is critical in these cases, and the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery. TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY has proven to be a reliable solution for countless victims like me. They utilize advanced techniques to trace stolen funds, expose fraudsters, and assist in legal actions when necessary. Don’t let shame or fear keep you silent; scammers thrive when victims remain quiet. To anyone reading this: Stay vigilant, conduct thorough research before investing, and never trust opportunities that seem "too good to be true." If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up hope; contact a reputable recovery service like TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY for assistance. WhatsApp them at +15617263697 or Telegram at +15617263697. Your path to recovery may be closer than you think.

0 Go to comments
C
Cecilia Diesch 3 hours ago
Ilona Maher drops biggest retirement hint yet after loss to Canada

Online scams and cybercrime have reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on lives, draining hard-earned savings, and crippling businesses. Fraudsters operate under various guises, including fake investment platforms, binary options scams, forex trading fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes designed to steal from unsuspecting victims. These criminals are highly sophisticated, employing psychological manipulation and making fake promises of high returns to lure people in, only to vanish with their money. I am sharing my story as a warning to others who may find themselves in similar situations. I was once a victim of a well-orchestrated binary options scam, where I lost a staggering $150,300 in Bitcoin to a fraudulent broker. At first, everything seemed legitimate. The platform appeared professional, and the promises of high returns were enticing. However, once I invested my money, the scammers disappeared without a trace, leaving me stranded and devastated. The emotional toll was unbearable; I felt hopeless, trapped in a cycle of depression, and unsure if I would ever recover my lost funds. Fortunately, I eventually met TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY, a trusted and highly skilled investigative and recovery agency. Their team of cybersecurity experts specializes in tracking and recovering funds lost to online scams. With their help, I was able to reclaim my stolen money and get my life back on track. Their persistence and technical expertise were miraculous, providing me with the support I desperately needed during a dark time. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any form of online fraud, whether it’s a fake investment scheme or cryptocurrency theft, I urge you to seek help immediately. Time is critical in these cases, and the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery. TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY has proven to be a reliable solution for countless victims like me. They utilize advanced techniques to trace stolen funds, expose fraudsters, and assist in legal actions when necessary. Don’t let shame or fear keep you silent; scammers thrive when victims remain quiet. To anyone reading this: Stay vigilant, conduct thorough research before investing, and never trust opportunities that seem "too good to be true." If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up hope; contact a reputable recovery service like TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY for assistance. WhatsApp them at +15617263697 or Telegram at +15617263697. Your path to recovery may be closer than you think.

3 Go to comments
B
Bjs 3 hours ago
As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?

Are you joking? Maro is the only outstanding candidate for captaincy.

97 Go to comments
E
Ed the Duck 3 hours ago
As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?

They used the confidence boost to their advantage in subsequent matches, yes. Albeit against the weakest teams.

97 Go to comments
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LONG READ As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right? As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?
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