Gloucester, who are set for their final outing at Kingsholm this season against fierce rivals Bath tomorrow, make four changes to their starting line-up.

All the changes are in the pack, with a new look front row in Josh Hohneck, James Hanson and John Afoa while, in the back row, Lewis Ludlow comes in for Ruan Ackermann.

Always a hard-fought encounter, Johan Ackermann’s side will be looking to sign off on a positive note, keep their play-off hopes alive and take a big step towards securing a top six finish.

Gloucester will also be looking to make it a double over their local rivals, having won 22-21 in dramatic circumstances at the Rec back in October.

But, despite the historic rivalry, head coach Johan Ackermann stressed this week that Gloucester have to prepare for the game in their usual way.

“We have to treat it as just another game, although I do appreciate the passion for this game shown by both groups of supporters and saw it in that first meeting this season at the Rec,” he said.

“The one thing about this competition is that every game is important, and in every game there’s some pressure. Last week was a semi-final and was highly important, and this weekend could have a massive impact upon our league season.

“If you look at Bath, they’re a quality side with quality players. They’ve played good rugby in some games and just couldn’t score a key try.

“You get those seasons sometimes where you’re on the wrong end of the small margins. They’re good enough to beat the best and have proven that.

“We’ve had our ups and downs in recent weeks, but we must pitch up with the right mindset and look after our own performance so that we can give ourselves the opportunity, come the 80th minute, to be on the right side of the result.”

Bath, meanwhile, make three changes to the team to face Gloucester (kick-off 3pm).

Max Clark, Tom Homer and Anthony Perenise all return to the starting line-up, while Charlie Ewels continues as captain.

Perenise joins Beno Obano and Tom Dunn in the front row, with Elliott Stooke lining up against his former side alongside Ewels in the second row.

Tom Ellis, Francois Louw and Taulupe Faletau complete the pack in an unchanged back row combination.

Kahn Fotuali’i and Rhys Priestland continue at scrum-half and fly-half respectively, with James Wilson switching from full-back to inside centre to partner Clark in the midfield.

Aled Brew and Matt Banahan occupy the wing positions, with Homer completing the backline at fullback.

Zach Mercer marks his return to action, with the back rower named among the replacements for the derby clash.

Gloucester: 15. Jason Woodward; 14. Tom Marshall, 13. Billy Twelvetrees, 12. Mark Atkinson, 11. Henry Trinder; 10. Billy Burns, 9. Callum Braley; 1. Josh Hohneck, 2. James Hanson, 3. John Afoa; 4. Ed Slater (capt), 5. Mariano Galarza; 6. Jake Polledri, 7. Lewis Ludlow, 8. Ben Morgan. Replacements: 16. Motu Matu’u, 17. Paddy McAllister, 18. Fraser Balmain, 19. Tom Savage, 20. Ruan Ackermann, 21. Ben Vellacott, 22. Andy Symons, 23. David Halaifonua. Unavailable for selection: Gareth Denman, Lloyd Evans, Willi Heinz, Richard Hibbard, Henry Purdy, Val Rapava Ruskin, Jacob Rowan, Charlie Sharples, Ollie Thorley, Owen Williams

Bath: 15. Tom Homer; 14. Matt Banahan, 13. Max Clark, 12. James Wilson, 11. Aled Brew; 10. Rhys Priestland, 9. Kahn Fotuali’i; 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Anthony Perenise, 4. Charlie Ewels (capt), 5. Elliott Stooke, 6. Tom Ellis, 7. Francois Louw, 8. Taulupe Faletau. Replacements: 16. Jack Walker,17. Lucas Noguera, 18. Shaun Knight, 19. James Phillips, 20. Zach Mercer, 21. Max Green, 22. Freddie Burns, 23. Cooper Vuna

Referee: Wayne Barnes