Bristol Bears will host Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate as the fifth week of the 2023/24 Premiership Rugby season rolls around.
Bristol took two wins in as many games to open up the season, but a narrow loss to Harlequins at home and an away defeat at the hand of Exeter Chiefs means the Bears sit sixth in the table.
Conversely, Sale come into this game on the back of a convincing 24-10 home win against Gloucester, which lifted them to third in the standings, with only one blemish on their record through their first four games.
It’s a game that is equally important for each team. For Bristol, a win to halt their run of losses is key. For Sale, a fourth win in five games highlights their credentials to make a run at returning to the Premiership Final in consecutive seasons.
Bears shuffle their starting XV to create an unorthodox lineup
After the start Bristol had in the first two games of the season, it looked like the Bears would be challenging for that top spot again after taking it in the 2020/21 season, but two disappointing losses to Harlequins and Exeter have slowed that progress down.
Bristol’s Director of Rugby Pat Lam has made some interesting decisions to his starting lineup, hoping his side can return to winning ways and find a first win of the month.
The main changes are in the back row, with Harry Thacker starting at the openside flanker position instead of his usual hooker spot.
That gives Gabriel Oghre the hooker starting spot, who makes his debut after recovering from injury, while Scottish international Magnus Bradbury moves from his usual number eight spot to take the number six jersey, and captain Fitz Harding will move to number eight.
“Fitz has taken the captaincy really well,” said Lam after Bristol’s last home game against Harlequins.
“He competes for everything and has shown qualities that make him a leader. He’s a fighter, he keeps everyone going, and his performance levels are right up there.”
READ MORE: Bristol Bears player ratings from Harlequins loss – ‘Plenty more to come’
READ MORE: Bristol Bears player ratings from Exeter Chiefs defeat – ‘Run over like a speedbump’
England internationals Max Malins and Kyle Sinkler also return to the matchday squad, giving the Bears an added boost, but Ellis Genge is yet to return.
On the game against Sale tomorrow, Lam states, “It’s great to be back at Ashton Gate for what is a traditionally tough contest against Sale Sharks, who are always a difficult team to beat.
“But we’ve prepared well on a short turnaround, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Sale searching for their fourth win in five
After a fantastic 2022/23 season, which saw Sale make the Premiership Final, they have continued that rich vein of form to start the 2023/24 season, sitting just two points off the top sport of the table in third place.
With three wins from four so far, a potential fourth win for Alex Sanderson’s side will underline their credentials for another top-four finish, and the Manchester club will have their sights on the 2024 final again.
Sale’s matchday squad is buoyed by the inclusion of hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, who will make his debut off the bench. Ben Curry also returns for his first start of the season.
Argentinian international Agustin Creevy will start the game at hooker, with England internationals George Ford and Bevan Rodd making their second consecutive starts after returning from World Cup duty.
