Bristol Bears have been bolstered by the injury return of Fijian winger Siva Naulago for the club’s historic exhibition match against Australia A at Ashton Gate on Friday night.
Naulago has recovered from a fractured cheekbone to start against the touring international side with academy quartet Sam Scott, Ethan Surrey, Gethin O’Callaghan and Jacob Cusick are all set for their competitive debuts off the bench as director of rugby Pat Lam spreads his player resources across two squads this weekend with the club set to face Bath at the Recreation Ground in the Premiership Rugby Cup 18 hours later.
Lam, said: “I’m really excited about the challenge we have of back-to-back games in less than 24 hours. The challenge is made even more difficult by our unavailability list and our smaller squad, but what a brilliant opportunity for all of the players to show what they can do within the Bears Way.
“The most pleasing thing from the Bedford game [winning 67-19] is the way the players came in and took on the roles and responsibilities of the previous players who have worn that jersey.
The game kicks off at 7.45pm on Friday with tickets still available.
Bristol Bears: 15. Toby Fricker (34 apps), 14. Siva Naulago (37 apps), 13. Kalaveti Ravouvou (11 apps), 12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (30 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (47 apps), 10. Sam Worsley (10 apps), 9. Kieran Marmion (31 apps); 1. Jake Woolmore (156 apps), 2. Harry Thacker (118 apps), 3. Lovejoy Chawatama (1 app), 4. Joe Owen (18 apps), 5. Joe Batley (69 apps), 6. Jake Heenan (113 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (c) (78 apps), 8. Benjamin Grondona (8 apps).
Replacements: 16. Gabriel Oghre (23 apps), 17. Max Lahiff (93 apps), 18. Sam Scott (debut), 19. Ethan Surrey (debut), 20. Tom Doughty (1 app), 21. Oscar Lennon, 22. Gethin O’Callaghan (debut), 23. Jacob Cusick (debut).
Australia A team to be announced