The Bears announce side to host Exeter tomorrow night

Bristol Bears will welcome its biggest crowd in three seasons when Exeter Chiefs visit Ashton Gate on Friday night (7.45pm KO, live on TNT Sports).

More than 24,000 are expected in BS3 for a mouthwatering Christmas derby, as Pat Lam’s side go in search of a third successive win in the Gallagher Premiership.

Steven Luatua captains the side in the absence of the injured Fitz Harding, with Dan Thomas coming into the side in the back row, while in the front row, Gabriel Oghre is in for the injured Harry Thacker and Max Lahiff starts at loosehead.

Noah Heward comes into the back three alongside Rich Lane and Max Malins, while among the replacements, Joe Owen could make his Premiership debut.

Bristol Bears team to face Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate on Friday night (7.45pm KO, live on TNT Sports):

15. Max Malins (24 apps), 14. Noah Heward (12 apps), 13. Virimi Vakatawa (10 apps), 12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (13 apps), 11. Rich Lane (28 apps), 10. Callum Sheedy (163 apps), 9. Harry Randall (114 apps); 1. Max Lahiff (75 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (7 apps), 3. Kyle Sinckler (50 apps), 4. James Dun (25 apps), 5. Joe Batley (52 apps), 6. Steven Luatua (118 apps) (c), 7. Dan Thomas (139 apps), 8. Magnus Bradbury (33 apps).

System players: 16. Will Capon (81 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (142 apps), 18. George Kloska (40 apps) 19. Josh Caulfield (14 apps), 20. Joe Owen (6 apps), 21. Kieran Marmion (12 apps), 22. James Williams (30 apps), 23. Kalaveti Ravouvou (4 apps)

Unavailable: Ellis Genge, Yann Thomas, Harry Thacker, Chris Vui, Santiago Grondona, Fitz Harding, Jake Heenan, AJ MacGinty, Siva Naulago.