Bristol make two changes for Premiership clash against Wasps

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam has made two changes to his line-up for the seventh round of the Gallagher Premiership clash against Wasps to be played at Ashton Gate on Friday.

Having suffered a 47-13 defeat against the defending champions Saracens, Bristol will be hoping to bounce back into the tournament in search of their fourth victory.

Alapati Leiua gains a promotion from the bench to take position at inside centre with Sam Bedlow taking his place in the bench while Dave Attwood partners with Chris Vui in second row pushing Joe Joyce out of the matchday 23 squad.

“After last week’s disappointment, our best reaction will be what we do on the field rather than what we say. We are relishing that opportunity to inspire our community,” said Lam.

“It’s a massive crowd on Friday and an occasion that we’re really looking forward. We know that there are Bristolians from all over the world coming home for the festive period and we’d love to gift them a performance to celebrate.

“Five points are on offer and that’s been the focus in what has been a short week. After last week’s disappointment, our best reaction will be what we do on the field rather than what we say. We are relishing that opportunity to inspire our community.”

Bristol Bears starting XV: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Piers O’Conor, 12 Alapati Leiua, 11 Toby Fricker, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Jake Heenan, 6 Steven Luatua (c), 5 Chris Vui, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 John Afoa, 2 Harry Thacker, 1 Jake Woolmore

Reserves: 16 Will Capon, 17 Jordan Lay, 18 Max Lahiff, 19 Ed Holmes, 20 Luke Hamilton, 21 Harry Randall, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Sam Bedlow