Bristol v Leeds: Teams
USA prop Mike MacDonald will make first start of the season as Leeds look to build on their victory against Worcester.
Last Updated: 19/10/07 2:31pm
Bristol coach Richard Hill has admitted that Leeds' victory over Worcester is "bad news" for his club.
Leeds recorded their first win of the season by beating the Warriors, and Hill believes the visitors will arrive at the Memorial Stadium full of confidence.
However, the Bristol chief has faith in his side to build on their victory over Newcastle.
He told the club's official site: "Leeds were very good against Worcester and I know from experience that you get a huge boost of confidence from that.
"They now know that they can win in the Guinness Premiership which is bad news for us!
"But we've got a strong 22 for the weekend. Andrew Blowers has trained all week and will be involved at some point and Lee Robinson is back as well. They're both big game players.
"I haven't made many changes. I've chopped and changed a bit this season, partly due to injuries and partly because I've been looking for the best line-up.
Continuity
"But after beating Newcastle, I wanted a bit of continuity although with players coming back, I've now got more strength on the bench."
As well as Blowers and Robinson returning to the squad, Hill will hand a first start to hooker David Blaney.
The form of Mark Regan and a shoulder injury has meant Blaney has been limited to bench duty, however he will now get his chance to shine against Leeds.
Leeds director of rugby Stuart Lancaster will hand USA prop Mike MacDonald his first start of the season as Carnegie look to build on their victory against Worcester.
Leeds ended their long barren run without a win in the Guinness Premiership with their 26-21 victory over the Warriors - however Bristol will pose a difficult test at the Memorial Stadium.
Debut
With Colin Noon being ruled out through injury, Samoan prop Fosi Pala'amo reverts to tighthead with MacDonald handed his debut at loosehead.
MacDonald missed the start of the season due to his call up for the World Cup, while he then injured his ribs on his return.
Rob Rawlinson also comes into the front row at the expense of Vili Ma'asi, while last season's leading try scorer Richard Welding replaces Leigh Hinton on the wing.
On the bench, Andy Tuilagi has recovered from a wrist injury.
Bristol: 15 Josh Taumalolo, 14 Tom Arscott, 13 Rob Higgitt, 12 David Hill, 11 David Lemi, 10 Jason Strange, 9 Brian O'Riordan, 1 Darren Crompton, 2 David Blaney, 3 Jason Hobson, 4 Roy Winters, 5 Sean Hohneck, 6 Matt Salter (c), 7 Alfie To'oala, 8 Dan Ward-Smith.
Replacements: 16 Scott Linklater, 17 Dave Hilton, 18 Nathan Budgett, 19 Andrew Blowers, 20 Haydn Thomas, 21 Neil Brew, 22 Lee Robinson.
Leeds: 15 Jon Goodridge, 14 Richard Welding, 13 Jonny Hepworth, 12 Lee Blackett, 11 Tom Biggs, 10 Alberto Di Bernardo, 9 Joe Bedford, 1 Mike MacDonald, 2 Rob Rawlinson, 3 Fosi Pala'amo, 4 Stuart Hooper (c), 5 Erik Lund, 6 Rhys Oakley, 7 Calum Clark, 8 Mark Lock.
Replacements: 16 Tommy McGee, 17 Vili Ma'asi, 18 Michael Cusack, 19 Kearnan Myall, 20 James Brooks, 21 Andy Tuilagi, 22 Leigh Hinton.