BATH coach Toby Booth has praised prop Paul James after he earned a start in Wales’ Six Nations opener against Italy in Cardiff tomorrow.

The 31-year-old will win his 35th cap at the Millennium Stadium, replacing injured prop Gethin Jenkins as the reigning champions open their campaign.

While much of the focus has been on Bath’s England contingent – with lock Dave Attwood named on the bench against France tomorrow while George Ford and Anthony Watson travel as cover – James’ selection for Wales has also been noted by Bath’s coaching team.

Booth said: “I’m delighted for Paul. He’s been a strong competitor for a long time and hopefully he can get a run of games as a starter.

“He’s a very good player who has performed exceptionally well for us. We’ve gone very well in the forwards and he’s been a big part of that.’’

Bath’s Semesa Rokoduguni was expected to beat his knee injury in time to make his England Saxons debut against Scotland A tonight.

The Fiji-born British Army tank driver, 26, could not recover from knee trouble to face Ireland Wolfhounds at Kingsholm last weekend.

Kyle Eastmond starts at inside centre and prop Nathan Catt is among the replacements, while Bath’s Tom Heathcote is on the bench for Scotland A.

Booth, meanwhile, is preparing Bath for a trip to Welford Road in their final LV= Cup group-stage match.

A win would secure home advantage for the visitors, while Leicester need victory to maintain their hopes of qualification for the knockout stages.

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