Williams replaces injured Banahan for Bath Rugby's clash with Northampton

Bath Rugby have made two changes to the side that beat London Wasps last Saturday as they prepare to face Northampton Saints at The Rec tomorrow night (7.45pm).

Paul James comes in at loosehead, with Nathan Catt switching to the bench. and joins Lee Mears and David Wilson in the front row.

The other change comes in the centres, where Ben Williams comes in for the injured Matt Banahan. Williams starts at inside centre, with Dan Hipkiss outside him, as Olly Barkley and Michael Claassens are once again selected in the half-back positions.

Tom Biggs and Kyle Eastmond, who both crossed the try line last weekend in the victory over Wasps, are named on the wings.

With both teams unbeaten so far and looking to take over the the top of the early Aviva Premiership table, head coach Gary Gold is predicting a stern test for his men.

He said: “Northampton are a very strong side, who have made a good start to the competition. We all know about their strength in the forwards but they also back that up with some hugely skilful backs who can attack from anywhere on the field.

“We were pleased with the performance against Wasps, but know there is still more we can do to improve and we have been working hard on this.

"It’s these big games that you want to be involved in – as a player and as a coach – and whilst it will be a big challenge for us tomorrow night, we are looking forward to it.”

Bath Rugby team to face Northampton Saints:

15 Nick Abendanon

14 Kyle Eastmond

13 Dan Hipkiss

12 Ben Williams

11 Tom Biggs

10 Olly Barkley

9 Michael Claassens

1 Paul James

2 Lee Mears

3 David Wilson

4 Stuart Hooper (c)

5 Dominic Day

6 Simon Taylor

7 Carl Fearns

8 Ben Skirving

Replacements:

16 Ross Batty

17. Nathan Catt

18 Anthony Perenise

19 Dave Attwood

20 Josh Ovens

21 Mark McMillan

22 Ollie Devoto

23 Jack Cuthbert