HAVING got their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign off to a winning start against Zebre last Saturday, Gloucester now face a testing trip to La Rochelle and have named a strong side for the fixture.

Only four players remain in the starting line-up from Zebre – Bill Meakes, Mark Atkinson, Henry Purdy and Ross Moriarty as Gloucester, who are playing their third game in six days, ring the changes.

James Hook starts at full-back, with Charlie Sharples moving back to his usual position on the right wing, while Billy Twelvetrees will partner Greig Laidlaw at half-back.

Up front, Paddy McAllister, Richard Hibbard and John Afoa form a familiar looking front row trio, Tom Savage teams up with All Black Jeremy Thrush in the boiler room and Ross Moriarty, Matt Kvesic and Ben Morgan make up the back row.

Speaking to the local media before the team travelled to France, Head Coach Laurie Fisher admitted that Gloucester know that they will have to be at their best to prevail.

"Traditionally, French sides are a lot better at home than they are away but they had a hard-fought game at Sixways against Worcester last week. They're performing well in the Top 14 this year and I think it'll be a tough old game up there.

"The way this tournament works, you've got to keep on winning. So, we've given ourselves a good opportunity. A bit like Oyonnax last year, if you can get those results in the first two games, one home and one away, then you start to set yourself up.

"We're just looking to get the win. I don't think there are any thoughts about bonus points. It's just about rolling up our sleeves, it'll be a tough place and they'll be very committed in front of their home crowd.

"They're a big team with some quality players so it's a big task for us.”

Gloucester Rugby: James Hook; Charlie Sharples, Bill Meakes, Mark Atkinson, Henry Purdy; Billy Twelvetrees (capt), Greig Laidlaw; Paddy McAllister, Richard Hibbard, John Afoa; Tom Savage, Jeremy Thrush; Ross Moriarty, Matt Kvesic, Ben Morgan Replacements: Tom Lindsay, Yann Thomas, Paul Doran-Jones, Sione Kalamafoni, Jacob Rowan, Willi Heinz, Steve McColl, Rob Cook