Bath Makes Bold Selection, Elevating Sela’s Chances
Bath Rugby is gearing up for a crucial match in the Investec Champions Cup against Toulon. This encounter marks a significant opportunity for the team to bounce back after last year’s disappointing exit from the tournament.
Team Selection Highlights
Head Coach Johann van Graan has chosen a strong squad, opting for experienced players to maximize Bath’s chances of success. This strategic decision contrasts sharply with last year’s mixed-selection approach.
Key Players
- Vilikesa Sela: Filling in at tight-head after Will Stuart’s Achilles injury.
- Beno Obano: First-choice loosehead prop, crucial for scrummaging strength.
- Tom Dunn: Hooker, bringing agility in the set-piece.
- Finn Russell: Will captain the side and is central to the team’s tactical play.
- Alfie Barbeary: Making his season debut, adds dynamism to the back row.
Replacement Bench
The replacements include several debutants and solid options to ensure depth throughout the game:
- Francois van Wyk
- Kepu Tuipulotu
- Thomas du Toit
- Neil le Roux: Set to make his European debut.
- Arthur Green: Also making his European bow.
Starting Lineup
The lineup for Bath Rugby against Toulon showcases a blend of experience and youth:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Loosehead Prop | Beno Obano |
| Hooker | Tom Dunn |
| Tighthead Prop | Vilikesa Sela |
| Lock | Quinn Roux |
| Lock | Ross Molony |
| Flanker | Ted Hill |
| Flanker | Sam Underhill |
| No. 8 | Alfie Barbeary |
| Scrum-half | Tom Carr-Smith |
| Fly-half | Finn Russell (C) |
| Wing | Henry Arundell |
| Centre | Cameron Redpath |
| Centre | Max Ojomoh |
| Wing | Joe Cokanasiga |
| Fullback | Santi Carreras |
The upcoming match is pivotal for Bath as they seek to elevate their tournament prospects. A well-rounded performance against Toulon will be crucial to advancing in the Champions Cup.
