OLLIE Devoto’s last Bath start resulted in he and his teammates being on the end of a Shark bite, but the 20-year-old is confident his side have the tools to ensure lightning doesn’t strike twice tonight (7.45pm).

Devoto started at full-back during last month’s 19-13 Premiership reverse against Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium, but that was the last first-team defeat and the England U20 ace, who is set to start at centre, has no intention of seeing that good run spoiled.

“The conditions weren’t great the last time we were there and we’re expecting the same, given the time of year, he said.

“But last week (against Worcester), in atrocious conditions we managed to get the result so we’re really looking forward to keeping that momentum.

“They (Sale) are really good at the breakdown and are going to be coming hard at us, especially in the middle area of the field. They’ll look to attack us with solid runners so we’re going to be expecting to make some tackles.

“I thought we managed the game (against Worcester) really well and to be in with a shout of a bonus point was really good from the team.’’

Devoto had an enforced break from first-team action after being suspended for two weeks for striking Bordeaux-Begles player Blair Connor during the Amlin Challenge Cup win in France on October 12, although he did feature in Bath United’s A League win at Saracens at the end of the month.

He added: “It’s been a few weeks, but I’m really looking forward to getting back.

“It was a silly mistake, maybe a little out of character, but you move on. I’m looking forward to getting back amongst it.

“It’s nice to see that the reward is that you will get your chance if you work hard.’’

Kyle Eastmond, Dave Attwood and Anthony Watson all return to the squad after training with England this week, Eastmond in the team and the other two on the bench.

Bath: 1 Nathan Catt, 2 Ross Batty, 3 Anthony Perenise, 4 Dominic Day, 5 Ryan Caldwell, 6 Will Skuse, 7 Mat Gilbert, 8 Leroy Houston, 9 Martin Roberts, 10 Tom Heathcote, 11 Tom Biggs, 12 Kyle Eastmond, 13 Ollie Devoto, 14 Richard Lane, 15 Nick Abendanon.

Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Charlie Beech, 18 Kane Palma-Newport, 19 Dave Attwood, 20 Nick Koster, 21, Chris Cook, 22, Matt Banahan, 23 Anthony Watson.