Bath rest the big guns for 'Big Day Out' in Cardiff

HAVING dropped some heavy hints in midweek, Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan has stuck to his guns and named a much-changed line-up for the ‘Big Day Out’ against derby rivals Bristol in Cardiff this afternoon.

- ALAN BROWN Rugby writer

Just two players - full-back Tom de Glanville and wing Joe Cokanasiga - are retained from the starting XV that faced Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup last weekend as Van Graan gets some important rest into his squad ahead of the European final and the Premiership play-offs.

Nevertheless, the Blue, Black & Whites still name a line-up to be reckoned with, led by Premiership Rugby Cup-winning skipper Ewan Richards.

The Bath Academy product will partner Ross Molony in the second row, while hooker Jasper Spandler will make his Premiership debut in the front row between props Francois van Wyk and Archie Griffin, who made his senior international debut for Wales at the Principality Stadium only last year.

Josh Bayliss and Ethan Staddon are named as the two flankers, with Arthur Green completing the pack at number eight.