GLOUCESTER have made four changes to their starting line-up for Saturday's game at Harlequins, with Ruan Ackermann making his full debut in the back row.

Last Friday's win over defending champions Exeter Chiefs got Gloucester's season off to a flying start and the Cherry and Whites will be looking to build on that at the Stoop.

Three of the changes are in the pack. Josh Hohneck will start at loosehead prop instead of John Afoa, Ruan Ackermann will make his first start for the club and Freddie Clarke comes in for Ben Morgan.

The only change in the backs sees Matt Scott come into the midfield at outside centre with Andy Symons moving across to inside centre.

Meanwhile, amongst the replacements, Val Rapava Ruskin is back from suspension and named in the matchday squad for the first time.

Backs coach Tim Taylor admitted that there were pleasing aspects of Gloucester's game in the win over Exeter but that the Cherry and Whites will need to raise the bar at the Stoop.

"Last week was very pleasing. We know how good a side Exeter are, so it was really good to see. Our set-piece was excellent and we showed great ambition. That ambition and no fear attitude is so important.

"But it's also important that we manage the game well, especially in our own third, to get the balance right. But, with the players we have, it's a good game plan to go out with.

"It's always a challenge going away from home. It's a tough place to go, we haven't been there for a while, but we're looking forward to it and hoping to put in a good performance down there.

"We know how strong they'll come out, we know what a good side they are, they've got good individuals throughout the side and are a good unit. But it's massively important that we get our stuff right on the day and show the character that we did last week.”

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