Wales skipper Hannah Jones, outside half Lleucu George and back row star Beth Lewis all start against west country rivals Bristol Bears, with replacements Sisi Tuipulotu and Kate Williams ready to come off the bench in Exeter to make an impact.
The Bears have Courtney Keight, Keira Bevan and Alisha Joyce-Butchers in their starting XV as they chase a first title and try to wrestle the trophy out of the grasp of last year’s winners. Jenny Hesketh is on the bench for the Bears.
George was the key character for Gloucester in their semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs, scoring two tries and always keeping her side in the right areas on the field. Here kicking game has become a key part of her armory and she is among the most successful in the league.
Gloucester finished top of the table last season before seeing off the Chiefs in the final. They lost only once in the regular season and are now favourites to make it back-to-back titles.
But the Bears will have scrum half Bevan, flying wing Keight and superb back row forward Joyce-Butchers doing all they can to stop them holding onto the trophy. It should be a great contest, although a rather nervy time for Cunningham in the stands.
