Viliame Mata, the powerful number eight, is set to make his much-anticipated debut for the Bristol Bears in their Gallagher Premiership match against Harlequins this weekend. After recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him since pre-season, the Fijian international has been included in the starting lineup.
This match will also mark the first time Mata teams up with fellow countryman Kalaveti Ravouvou, a reliable figure at outside centre for the Bears. The match will take place at Twickenham Stoop, kicking off tomorrow morning at 7:45 AM.
Bristol Bears’ starting lineup includes: Rich Lane, Jack Bates, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Gabriel Ibitoye, AJ MacGinty, Kieran Marmion, Jake Woolmore, Gabriel Oghre, Max Lahiff, James Dun, Joe Owen, Santiago Grondona, Fitz Harding (C), and Viliame Mata.
The reserves for this match are: Harry Thacker, Yann Thomas, Lovejoy Chawatama, Steven Luatua, Benjamin Grondona, Oscar Lennon, Joe Jenkins, and Benjamin Elizalde.
This eagerly awaited debut not only offers a chance for Mata to showcase his skills but also strengthens the team’s dynamics as they integrate more of their key players back into action. The Bears are poised to make a statement in this clash against Harlequins, and fans will be excited to see how the newly-formed pairing of Mata and Ravouvou performs on the field.
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