The Rodney Parade outfit continued their superb home form this season with a convincing opening win over Mogliano last weekend though Jones has rotated his side for what looks altogether a much tougher test.Â
Jones saw his side edge Bath by two points in a pre-season friendly back in August and has recalled first choice half back pairing Richie Rees and Jason Tovey for the trip to The Rec.
Veteran lock Rob Sidoli starts his second Amlin Cup match as captain with Adam Hughes and Ross Wardle continuing in the centre. Wardle impressed in the win over Mogliano, opening the scoring last Friday. He is given another chance to cement his place this weekend and will go up against former Wales man Gavin Henson in the Bath midfield.
“I feel part of the team now whereas last year, I was on the fringes because I was at university and wasn’t here all the time,” said Wardle.
“I have a lot more responsibility on my shoulders. Last year maybe I was just worried about myself and making an impression. Now I am trying to do things for the team rather than being an individual.
“That will be important against Bath because if we are to get anything there then we have to work together. It’s a great challenge and one that we are all looking forward to – there is no reason why we can’t go there and get the win.”
In the other changes made by Jones, Dan Evans moves to the full back position after missing the Mogliano game, Hallam Amos shifting across to the wing. The front row see two changes with Hugh Gustafson coming in at hooker and Dan Way at tight head prop. Matthew Screech keeps his place alongside Sidoli in the second row and Netani Talei, Lewis Evans and Toby Faletau make up the back row.
After making his regional debut last weekend, young hooker Elliot Dee has to settle for a place on the bench alongside Wales man Andrew Coombs. Jonathan Evans and Kris Burton offer a different option at half back.
