Amlin Challenge Cup Pool 2: Bath v Bordeaux-Begles preview
Semesa Rokoduguni returns to action in Bath's Amlin Challenge Cup fixture against Bordeaux-Begles on Thursday.
Last Updated: 16/01/14 7:14pm
Rokoduguni has not played since late November and is part of a strong starting line-up despite Bath having already clinched their quarter-final place.
Stand-off George Ford, named in England's squad for the Six Nations earlier in the week, forms the half-back pairing with Micky Young, while Kyle Eastmond and Jonathan Joseph - both full internationals - combine in midfield.
Paul James, Dominic Day and Leroy Houston are the only survivors in the pack from the team that beat Newport Gwent Dragons 30-13 last Saturday.
Bath are guaranteed top spot in Pool 2 but still have plenty of motivation as they are defending their unbeaten record at home this season and chasing a high seeding for the quarter-final draw.
"It's an important match for us to secure a solid position going into the quarter-finals. It's very important to perform," flanker Francois Louw told BRtv.
"Bordeaux are a big, solid side, like to ball carry and are solid in defence. We will be faced with a lot of challenges in that respect."
Bath: 15 Watson, 14 Rokoduguni, 13 Joseph, 12 Eastmond, 11 Biggs, 10 Ford, 9 Young; 1 James, 2 Webber, 3 Perenise, 4 Hooper (capt), 5 Day, 6 Garvey, 7 Louw, 8 Houston
Replacements 16 Batty, 17 Catt, 18 Palma-Newport, 19 Caldwell, 20 Gilbert, 21 Stringer, 22 Devoto, 23 Banahan
Bordeaux-Begles: 15 Tuculet, 14 Carballo, 13 Brousse, 12 Lamotte, 11 Lilomaiava, 10 Lonca 9 Saubusse; 1 Poirot, 2 Auzqui, 3 Toetu, 4 Treloar (capt), 5 Jaulhac, 6 Gibouin, 7 Graham, 8 Luafutu
Replacements: 16 Maynadier, 17 Delboulbes, 18 Sa, 19 Fakate, 20 Madaule, 21 Queheille, 22 Bernard, 23 Lacroix
