Bristol Rugby team to face Leinster ‘A’ at Ashton Gate on Friday, 8 December (7.45pm KO):
15. Mat Protheroe; 14. David Lemi, 13. Alapati Leiua, 12. Siale Piutau (c), 11. Tom Varndell; 10. Callum Sheedy, 9. Andy Uren; 1. Ryan Bevington, 2. Nick Fenton-Wells, 3. Sione Faletau, 4. Giorgi Nemsadze, 5. Joe Batley, 6. Sam Graham, 7. Olly Robinson, 8. Jack Lam.

Replacements: 16. Ben Gompels, 17. Jack Cosgrove, 18. Ollie Dawe, 19. Joe Joyce, 20. Rhodri Williams, 21. Billy Searle, 22. Jack Tovey.

UNAVAILABLE: Max Crumpton (knee), Ross McMillan (hamstring), Jordon Liney (ankle), Tyler Gendall (knee), John Hawkins (knee), Joe Latta (ankle), Dan Tuohy (shoulder), Ehize Ehizode (shoulder), Steven Luatua (ribs), Nick Haining (shoulder), James Dun (knee), James Newey (ankle), Thretton Palamo (foot), Sam Bedlow (ankle), Luke Morahan (hamstring).

Well that's a surprisingly strong team considering our previous selections for the B&I cup. Looks like we've decided to win the thing

Yep maybe do, mind you I wonder if it would have been anything like this team if it was away this weekend. What we do know is Leinster A will be very handy.

very strong back 5

We'll find out next week when we are away to them

it may be a strong team but I wouldn't say any of that team are nailed on first team starters other than Leiua at 13.

Just demonstrates the fantastic competition we have across the squad and that the B&I cup gives us a great opportunity to keep the squad fresh in terms of selection and fitness.

Leinster ‘A’

15. Ciarán Frawley
14. Jack Kelly
13. Gavin Mullin
12. Conor O’Brien
11. Tommy O’Brien
10. Cathal Marsh
9. Charlie Rock
1. Peter Dooley
2. Bryan Byrne CAPTAIN
3. Vakh Abdaladze
4. Josh Murphy
5. Ian Nagle
6. Peadar Timmins
7. Will Connors
8. Max Deegan

Replacements

16. Ronan Kelleher
17. Ed Byrne
18. Cormac Daly
19. Caelan Doris
20. Hugh O’Sullivan
21. Ian Fitzpatrick
22. Hugo Keenan

I may be wrong but I believe that this is Giorgi Nemsadze's first 1st Team start after 1 1/2 years at the club

Quote:

expectingrain
I may be wrong but I believe that this is Giorgi Nemsadze's first 1st Team start after 1 1/2 years at the club

You may be right but it will become his ninth appearance. As seven of the other eight were in the Challenge Cup and then Anglo Welsh Cup there's a fair chance at least one of them was a start. I can't be bothered to check any more closely than that.

Started two challenge cup games,

He started a cup game last season against Worcester

Still, not been really given a chance considering he's a current international in a team who's strength is in the forwards. He must have something

As an ex 2nd row I’m probably biased but every successful team needs an enforcer type 2nd row. I’d have thought he fits the bill, hence I’m also surprised at the lack of game time he’s had since he signed.

strong side, trying to keep up the winning mentality