Bristol Bears v Gloucester: Bears make six changes to starting XV

Steven Luatua returns to captain the Bristol Bears in Friday night’s West Country derby clash with Gloucester.

Gloucester coach George Skivington has named an unchanged starting 15 from Saturday’s European Challenge Cup victory over for Friday night’s trip to Ashton Gate.

Andrew Davidson’s inclusion on the bench is the only change to Gloucester’s matchday 23.

Winger Toby Fricker, lock Ed Holmes and full-back Luke Morahan are among Bristol’s six changes from their last league match.

𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗬 🤤#BRIvGLO | #BristolBears pic.twitter.com/9mKE6LqTnX

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) April 21, 2022

This week, it was confirmed that Bristol’s Semi Radradra required knee surgery and would miss the remainder of the season.

Seventh-placed Gloucester are still chasing a Premiership play-off place and remain unchanged from Saturday’s European victory.

🐻 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧-𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗬 🍒

It's Derby Day at Ashton Gate tomorrow evening, and here are your Cherry & Whites making the short trip! 🤩

🤝 Teamsheet proudly sponsored by @BPE_Solicitors
📰 https://t.co/tQl4u3w4cj#BRIvGLO | 🐻🍒 pic.twitter.com/eZq6zhuXNJ

— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) April 21, 2022

Despite sitting in 10th, George Skivington knows how dangerous Bristol can be.

He said: “We know what a threat Bristol are. They’re a seriously good team regardless of league position or anything like that. We know that they’ve got some seriously threatening individuals who can do amazing things. They’ve got a strong set piece and a good game. All of their games are tight and their last two weekends could have gone either way. They were physical battles and we know that it’s going to be a tough game on Friday.

“We’re fully aware that Friday is a massive challenge for us and we’re excited about it and we’re looking forward to getting there. Obviously it’s a big challenge and it’s a really important game for us.”