First run out for Faiva and a return for Roux

After a formidable second half performance against Ulster in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, Johann van Graan has made four changes to his starting XV in this weekend’s trip to Cardiff.

Coming into the starting front row, Thomas du Toit takes the tighthead spot, switching with Will Stuart on the bench.

Du Toit will pack down with last week’s Player of the Match, Beno Obano, and hooker Tom Dunn, who both retain their positions after seeing a 100% scrum success rate against Ulster.

Switching in at second row, Josh McNally partners Charlie Ewels at lock.

Across the back row, Miles Reid and Alfie Barbeary are named again, with Chris Cloete returning to the fold to take the openside spot.

At half back, Ben Spencer is paired with Finn Russell, seeing their partnership go from strength to strength in recent weeks.

Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga will be the men manning the wings, with Cameron Redpath and Ollie Lawrence taking the midfield.

Tom de Glanville also returns to the starting XV, completing van Graan’s set-up.

On the bench, new signing Hame Faiva will get his debut for the Blue, Black and White, with Juan Schoeman taking the final replacement front row position.

Quinn Roux, who suffered a concussion in Bath’s Gallagher Premiership fixture against Saracens in October, will return to play from the bench, alongside Elliott Stooke who has been impressive since coming back to Bath.

Louis Schreuder and Orlando Bailey are named as this week’s replacement backs, with Jaco Coetzee taking the final bench spot in a 6-2 split.

Bath Rugby head to Cardiff Arms Park for the Saturday night fixture kicking off at 20:00.

TEAMS

Bath Rugby XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Josh McNally, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Miles Reid, 7 Chris Cloete, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville

Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Quinn Roux, 20 Elliott Stooke, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Jaco Coetzee

Cardiff Rugby XV: 1 Corey Domachowski, 2 Liam Belcher (c), Kieron Assiratti, 4 Rory Thornton, 5 Teddy Williams, 6 Alex Mann, 7 Lucas de le Rua, 8 MacKenzie Martin, 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Tinus de Beer, 11 Mason Grady, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 14 Josh Adams, 15 Cam Winnett

Replacements: 16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Rhys Litterick, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Alun Lawrence, 21 Ellis Bevan, 22 Willis Halaholo, 23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb