Cokanasiga back as Bath host Harlequins

Joe Cokanasiga is one of four changes as look to keep their fine form going against third-placed .

Cokanasiga returns from duty, while Cam Redpath is back from playing for , and their return sees Matt Gallagher move from right-wing to full-back and Ollie Lawrence from inside to outside centre respectively.

Redpath is joined by fellow Scotland international Josh Bayliss in the starting XV – at number eight – while elsewhere in the pack Dave Attwood returns from suspension at second row.

For Quins there is just one change to their starting line-up as Oscar Beard comes in for the rested Joe Marchant, and one on the bench too as the injured Luke Northmore is replaced by Lennox Anwanyu.

Cokanasiga comes into a side on a run of three-consecutive Premiership victories, their best run since February 2021, and if they were to notch a fourth it would be their longest winning run in over seven and a half years.

Scrum-half and captain Ben Spencer said his side's belief had grown after their strong recent form, but was wary of the threat that Quins would bring.

“It's amazing what a few wins can do,” he said. “There is definitely more belief amongst the squad now and we're heading in the right direction.

“The belief is starting to build within the squad. The more we can keep putting in good performances we know we'll be in the right place.

“Harlequins have a lot of good players throughout their team. They have a strong offloading game and a very good attacking game; we have to control the tempo of the game and try and nullify their strengths.”

Quins only have to go back to April this year for the last time they won four games on the spin, but will see it as equally critical that they keep their run going with the opportunity now apparent to establish themselves in the top four.

The Londoners' forwards coach Jerry Flannery discussed Quins' place in the table in his pre-match comments, and praised the way that Bath were building into the season.

He said: “The league table is beginning to settle now and we've managed to place ourselves in a reasonable position so far. It's hard to say many teams have cemented their position so we have to be on it every week; although we did give ourselves some breathing room last week.

“But, Bath are a very good team and they're cracking on well this season. Anyone can beat anyone on their day in the league. With new coaches and some changes in their playing roster, it will take time for Bath to fully find their feet, but they are certainly improved this season.

“I've watched a good few of their games so far this year and you can see their identity is starting to come through a little bit. They've got a strong maul and put a lot of time into their set-piece. They've got a big pack and some key momentum-giving players in the backline as well.”

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