FRANCOIS Louw will make his first appearance of the season for Bath in tomorrow night's European Challenge Cup clash against Cardiff Blues at the Recreation Ground (7.45pm).

The South African will be joined in the back row by Taulupe Faletau, who missed last weekend’s reverse fixture - a 28-3 defeat - in the Welsh capital and Tom Ellis, who shifts to the blindside.

In the second row, Dave Attwood, who starred in Bath's 14-11 victory against top of the table Saracens two weeks ago, forms a second row partnership with fellow England international Charlie Ewels, who also co-captains the side for the first time.

Nick Auterac, Ross Batty and Max Lahiff will lead the pack at loosehead, hooker and tighthead prop respectively.

George Ford and Kahn Fotuali’i also return at half-backs, with Jonathan Joseph coming in at outside centre for his first game back after England duty, in a new midfield partnership with Ben Tapuai.

Jack Wilson starts on the right wing with Aled Brew on the left, with Tom Homer at full-back.

Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder said: “We’re actually all really pleased we’ve had a short turnaround between games – it means we can get back out there quickly, get back into our stride and perform the way we know we are capable of.

“We’re also really looking forward to seeing the likes of Francois Louw, George Ford and Jonathan Joseph run out on the Rec again.

"It’s been a while since we’ve seen them here – especially Francois – and the experience they bring will be really beneficial for us.

"It also means we can freshen the squad up, and give those players who have been playing week in week out, like Matt Garvey and Semesa Rokoduguni, a bit of a break.”

Bath: 15. Tom Homer, 14. Jack Wilson, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Ben Tapuai, 11. Aled Brew, 10. George Ford (co-capt), 9. Kahn Fotuali’i, 1. Nick Auterac, 2. Ross Batty, 3. Max Lahiff, 4. Charlie Ewels (co-capt), 5. Dave Attwood, 6. Tom Ellis, 7. Francois Louw, 8. Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: 16. Michael van Vuuren, 17. Beno Obano, 18. Shaun Knight, 19. Elliott Stooke, 20. Zach Mercer, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Adam Hastings, 23. Max Clark.