England World Cup stars Iain Balshaw and Danny Grewcock will make their first starts of the season in Bath colours as the club begins its Parker Pen Challenge Cup campaign against L'Aquila in Italy tomorrow (3pm).

Club captain Grewcock came on as a second-half replacement in the victory over Leicester last weekend, but Balshaw was not involved at Welford Road last weekend.

Head coach John Connolly will use the clash as an opportunity to field some of his squad who have played only a bit-part role in Bath's campaign so far.

But there are still seven full internationals in the side with Matt Perry, Balshaw, Simon Danielli, Kevin Maggs and Olly Barkley all starting in the backs and Grewcock in the forwards.

Grewcock's second row colleague Steve Borthwick starts the game from the bench.

With players absent through ineligibility, injury and suspension Connolly has been forced to select just four replacements all forwards.

But he insists his selection is still well capable of providing Bath with the result they require.

"We will be going out there determined to win," said Connolly.

"The key is to produce a performance that we can be proud of.

"This is a big game for the likes of David Barnes and Ross Blake who are all pushing hard for a regular starting place.

"And for young Chris Goodman and James Hudson this game will provide an ideal stepping-stone from second team rugby."

L'Aqulia are currently eighth in the Italian Super Ten Championship and a side that Connolly faced while bossing French outfit Stade Francais.

And despite their lowly standing, the Australian believes that they will be very strong up front.

"With Stade we faced them in the Heineken Cup. Mike Brewer was their coach then and they were a tough side,'' admitted Connolly.

"Much will have changed since then, but I am expecting them to be a physical side.

"They usually play it very tight and the match could turn into a 'pick and go' contest if the conditions are poor.

Bath: Perry, Balshaw, Maggs, Crockett, Danielli, Barkley, Blake, Barnes, Mears, Stevens, Hudson, Grewcock,Gray, Scaysbrook, Goodman. Subs: Hawkins, Flatman, Borthwick, Beattie .