Bristol to rely on experience against Saracens

Having fielded a youthful side in the previous round of the EDF Energy Cup, Bristol Rugby Head Coach Richard Hill has opted for a more experienced looking line up for the visit of Saracens on Saturday.

The defeat at Stradey Park has left Bristol unable to progress from the group stages although Saracens are still in a position to qualify for the semis.

But Bristol are looking for a victory to give them momentum ahead of the return to Guinness Premiership action in two weeks time as Hill explained when he named his side.

“We’re looking to build on the last three home performances. The other three teams in the group can still qualify mathematically but it’s still a massive game for us.”

“We’ve had a fairly strong team out at home against Sale, Saracens and then Toulon and have got better and better progressively.”

“To get back to back wins is massively important and will help us build towards the next Guinness Premiership game on the 16th.”

“We’ve had a fairly settled side of late but we have David Lemi back from injury which is a boost. Darren Crompton has proved his fitness and the last piece in the jigsaw will be Shaun Perry.”

“Sarries will be a stiff challenge and that’s what we need. We need a stern test before we go back into the Guinness Premiership and I imagine Saracens will come with a strong team and provide that test.”

“The last meeting was a superb game but we need to improve on that and get a win.”

Bristol Rugby:

Vunga Lilo; Tom Arscott, Neil Brew, Luke Eves, David Lemi; Adrian Jarvis, Graeme Beveridge; Alex Clarke, Mark Regan, Jason Hobson; Roy Winters, Nathan Budgett; Matt Salter, Joe El Abd (capt), Dan Ward-Smith

Replacements: