Burns to make Bath Rugby debut against Leinster

Read article : Burns to make Bath Rugby debut against Leinster

Freddie Burns will make his first appearance in a Bath Rugby shirt in the Club’s final pre-season fixture against Leinster at Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin tomorrow, kick-off 19:30.

Burns, who re-joined Bath over the summer, partners Chris Cook in the half-back combination for the trip to Ireland.

Following his return to action in the 14-28 victory over Ospreys last weekend, Semesa Rokoduguni continues on the right wing, with Academy duo Harry Davies and Darren Atkins completing the back three. Max Clark makes his third consecutive start at 13 and continues his partnership with Ben Tapuai in the midfield.

In an unchanged front row, Nick Auterac, Jack Walker and Kane Palma-Newport will be looking to show their presence in the scrum and the set-piece against last year’s Pro 12 semi-finalists.

James Phillips and Elliott Stooke make-up the second row paring, whilst Taulupe Faletau makes his first appearance of pre-season following a successful summer with the British & Irish Lions. The number 8 is joined in the back row by captain Matt Garvey on the blindside and Guy Mercer on the openside.

Bath Rugby team to face Leinster:

15. Darren Atkins

14. Semesa Rokoduguni

13. Max Clark

12. Ben Tapuai

11. Harry Davies

10. Freddie Burns

9. Chris Cook

1. Nick Auterac

2. Jack Walker

3. Kane Palma-Newport

4. James Phillips

5. Elliott Stooke

6. Matt Garvey (capt)

7. Guy Mercer

8. Taulupe Faletau

Replacements:

16. Tom Dunn

17. Beno Obano

18. Sam Nixon

19. Luke Charteris

20. Paul Grant

21. Kahn Fotuali’i

22. Rhys Priestland

23. Matt Banahan

24. Levi Douglas

25. Zach Mercer

26. Josh Lewis