Sela given big chance as Bath make statement selection

Having seen their Investec Champions Cup knockout hopes scuppered by a narrow loss to Benetton last season, Bath boss Johann van Graan has opted to go to Toulon almost fully loaded.

Whereas Bath selected a mixture of first team regulars and young stars at the same stage of last year’s competition in Italy, they have not held anyone back for Sunday’s trip to the Stade Mayol.

Vilikesa Sela has been given a big opportunity at tight-head after Will Stuart ruptured his Achilles in the win over Munster last Saturday. He is joined in the front row by first-choice loosehead and hooker, Beno Obano and Tom Dunn.

An all-Ireland second row contains Quinn Roux and Ross Molony, while Alfie Barbeary makes his first appearance of the season at the back of the poack having recovered from injury. Ted Hill and Sam Underhill are selected at flanker.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

31

22

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

One nod to rotation comes in the selection of Tom Carr-Smith at scrum-half in the place of multiple Player of the Match winner and captain, Ben Spencer.

Carr-Smith will earn his first European start in Bath colours, partnered at half-back by Finn Russell who takes the captaincy.

Bath’s centre pairing of Cameron Redpath and Max Ojomoh remains intact, with the back three featuring just one change from last week’s outing.

Santi Carreras comes in at fullback, while Henry Arundell and Joe Cokanasiga keepo their spots on the wings.

Francois van Wyk, Kepu Tuipulotu and Thomas du Toit will make up Sunday’s replacement front row, while Charlie Ewels, Miles Reid and Arthur Green complete the replacement forwards, with Green set to make his European debut.

Neil le Roux will also make his European debut, with Louie Hennessey taking the remaining bench position, completing a 6-2 split.

Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Vilikesa Sela, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 Finn Russell, Henry Arundell, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Santi Carreras.

Replacements: 16 Kepu Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Neil le Roux, 22 Louie Hennessey, 23 Arthur Green.