Top Two Clash: Bath and Northampton Adjust for Champions Cup Quarter-Final Showdown
In an exciting build-up to the Champions Cup quarter-final, Bath and Northampton have both made significant changes to their starting lineups, with six alterations each, as they prepare to face off at the Rec this Friday. Fin Smith, the England fly-half, makes his return from concussion, taking the starting position for the Saints. Meanwhile, scrum-half Alex Mitchell is set to make an impact from the bench, having recovered from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the Six Nations. Key changes for Northampton include: Archie McParland starting as number nine alongside Smith. Rory Hutchinson partnering with Fraser Dingwall in the midfield. Curtis Langdon and Cleopas Kundiona joining the front row. Tom Pearson taking the open-side flanker role, teaming up with Josh Kemeny and Henry Pollock in the back row. George Hendy returning from injury to bolster the bench. George Furbank captaining the side from full-back after confirming his move to Harlequins at the end of the season. On the other hand, Bath has also made strategic adjustments: Sam Underhill, Miles Reid, and Guy Pepper form the back row, with Josh Bayliss dropping out of the matchday 23. Billy Sela joins the front row, and Cameron Redpath replaces Max Ojomoh in the centres. Henry Arundell shifts to the right wing, while Will Muir replaces Joe Cokanasiga in the starting lineup. Tom de Glanville takes over at full-back, with Santi Carreras named as a replacement. Bath's bench features a 6-2 split, bringing considerable power with forwards Kepu Tuipulotu, Francois van Wyk, Thomas du Toit, Ross Molony, Ted Hill, and Alfie Barbeary ready to make an impact.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-09