Preview: Agen v Gloucester
Bryan Redpath has made several changes to the side that beat Bath last week for their Amlin Challenge Cup fixture at Agen on Friday.
Bryan Redpath has made several changes to his XV that overcame Bath last week for their Amlin Challenge Cup fixture away to Agen on Friday.
Gloucester travel to France and will be looking to maintain their recent good form and get off to a winning start in the competition.
Back at full-back following injury is Olly Morgan whilst Henry Trinder and Tom Voyce make their first competitive starts of the season at centre and wing respectively.
Redpath shuffles things around in the pack with Alasdair Dickinson, Scott Lawson, Dave Attwood and Luke Narraway all starting having been amongst the replacements at Bath whilst Peter Buxton and Akapusi Qera return in the back row.
Despite the changes, the starting line up still features ten full internationals with another four on the bench, a clear indication that Gloucester recognise the challenge that lies ahead.
“Any team away from home in France is tough, no matter how good a side you are. Going away to France as an English side and winning is not easy,” said Redpath.
“It doesn't matter who you play, history has shown that over the years. Your home games are your marker but you have to be really smart to pick up away wins.
“We have to build on what we've produced over the past couple of weekends to give ourselves the best possible chance of a good start in this competition.
“It'll be tough, it's an intimidating place to play and they'll be physical. A wounded animal is a dangerous one and we can't disrespect anyone.”
Meanwhile, the hosts will be led from the flank by Jean Monribot with Valentin Courrent directing matters from fly-half. There will also be a familiar face wearing jersey number thirteen jersey as former Wales and Cardiff Blues back Jamie Robinson lines up at centre.
The teams:
Agen: 15 Florent Cazeaux, 14 Saimoni Vaka, 13 Jamie Robinson, 12 Benjamin Petre, 11 Ratu Kolinisau, 10 Valentin Courrent, 9 Alexi Bales, 8 Opéti Fonua, 7 Uelenitoni Fono, 6 Jean Monribot (capt), 5 Damien Lagrange, 4 Lisiate Fa'aoso, 3 Gert Muller, 2 Jalil Narjissi, 1 Arsene Nnomo.
Replacements: 16 Brice Mach, 17 Mosese Moala, 18 Karim Kouider, 19 Thibault Lassale, 20 John O'Sullivan, 21 Maxime Machenaud, 22 Conrad Barnard, 23 Junior Pelesasa.
Gloucester: 15 Olly Morgan, 14 Charlie Sharples, 13 Henry Trinder, 12 Mike Tindall (capt), 11 Tom Voyce, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Dave Lewis, 8 Luke Narraway, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Peter Buxton, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 Paul Doran-Jones, 2 Scott Lawson, 1 Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements: 16 Olivier Azam, 17 Nick Wood, 18 Pierre Capdevielle, 19 Will James, 20 Alasdair Strokosch, 21 Jordi Pasqualin, 22 Freddie Burns, 23 James Simpson-Daniel.
Date: Friday, October 8
Kick-off: 18:30 (17:30 BST)
Venue: Stade Armandie
Referee: Neil Paterson
Assistant referees: David Changleng, Graeme Marshall