Debut Bath Rugby start for Burns

Freddie Burns will make his first start for Bath Rugby as they take on Worcester Warriors in Round 6 of the Aviva Premiership at the Recreation Ground tomorrow, kick-off 15:00.

Burns – one of four changes to the starting line-up – forms the half-back combination with Chris Cook. Ben Tapuai comes in at inside centre after coming on as a replacement during the 9-25 victory over Wasps last weekend. The Australian will link-up with Jonathan Joseph, who continues in the number 13 jersey.

Semesa Rokoduguni, who notched his fifth try in as many games at the Ricoh Arena, starts on the right wing, with Aled Brew and Anthony Watson completing an explosive back three combination.

In the front row, Anthony Perenise starts at tighthead, scrumming down alongside Jack Walker and Beno Obano.

Elliott Stooke partners Charlie Ewels in the second row, whilst Zach Mercer remains at blindside flanker following his Man of the Match performance last Sunday. Sam Underhill and Taulupe Faletau complete the back row at openside flanker and number eight respectively.

Unavailable for selection: Dave Attwood, Matt Banahan, Ross Batty, Nathan Catt, Luke Charteris, Tom Ellis, Matt Garvey, Paul Grant, Tom Homer, Shaun Knight, Max Lahiff, Francois Louw, Kane Palma-Newport, Rhys Priestland, Jeff Williams

Bath Rugby team to face Worcester Warriors

15. Anthony Watson
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Ben Tapuai
11. Aled Brew
10. Freddie Burns
9. Chris Cook
1. Beno Obano
2. Jack Walker
3. Anthony Perenise
4. Charlie Ewels (c)
5. Elliott Stooke
6. Zach Mercer
7. Sam Underhill
8. Taulupe Faletau

Replacements

16. Tom Dunn
17. Nick Auterac
18. Henry Thomas
19. James Phillips
20. Levi Douglas
21. Kahn Fotuali’i
22. Josh Lewis
23. Max Clark