“The biggest impact could well be on Chris’s mental and cognitive skills rather than any physical dimension. I think we may see more variety in his play,” the coach declared.

Another internationalist, Samoan captain Semo Sititi is not due back from the South Pacific until this weekend so he misses the trip to Limerick as do the injured quartet, Calum MacRae, Nikki Walker, Stephen Cranston and Scott Macleod.

MacRae and Walker have hamstring strains while Cranston and Macleod have had minor surgery on ankle injuries.  Bates is pleased by the impression created by his new signings both in training and the pre-season friendlies, making particular mention of the 29-year-old Samoan Test lock Opeta Palepoi.

Still, he cautions that Reivers face an uphill task if they are to be a truly competitive side in the Celtic League.

“We are under no illusions that it’s going to be a tough season for us,” he said.  “Last season the general public were encouraged by the effort and commitment from the side and appreciated that for what it was.

“It’s down to us. We have to perform at a level that says we are very competitive and on our best days we are going to be in with a chance of winning games.

“If we can produce one or two more wins at home than we did last season – which I think we are very capable of doing – then I think our supporters will see that as a very positive move in the right direction.”

Reivers side: Stuart Moffat; Simon Danielli, Ben MacDougall, Charlie Hore, Garry Law; Gregor Townsend, Chris Cusiter; Paul Thomson CAPTAIN, Ross Ford, Bruce Douglas; Opeta Palepoi, Colin Stewart; Wayne McEntee, Scott Gray, Kelly Brown
Substitutes: Brendan McKerchar, Lee Kibble, John Dalziel, Andy Miller, Andy Rennick, Steve Scott, Tommy McGee