Bristol are a better side than their position in the table suggests, but this isn’f a first choice side for them.

Thomas, Thacker and Madigan on the bench is a little odd and I’m not sure what to read in to it and Morahan is out (not sure why?).

I’d far rather we had last week’s lineup with Crumpton, Care and Symons, but I still feel optimistic.

I find the way Bristol have lobbed quite so much money at everything to be a bit distateful but appreciate that's probably just me. They're a good side and expect it'll be close this afternoon but we should hopefully have enough about us to win.

Bristol were/are at a bit of a disadvantage as they have very successful and well-supported Premiership clubs a short distance from them - Bath/Glaws, whom regularly pull in crowds of 14,000 or so and have well-developed and targeted youth development/feeder teams. Exeter, the only side that has really pulled away from the Championship and now a serial contender, has had most of the West Country behind it (talent and support), so Bristol's backers have had a lot to do to attract both players and supporters in and flashing the cash with an aim to staying up, attracting local talent and "making it" in the Premiership are probably vital.

That said, I hope we can manage to get a BP win today and get a bit further ahead of Glaws as they looked very good (at home) last night.

Also hoping for a Saints v Bath draw, but that won't happen!