A final Premiership Rugby Cup game of the season for the Cornish Pirates - a Round 5 fixture in Pool C - takes place away to London Scottish on Friday evening (ko 7.45pm).
The home side presently lies at the foot of the Pool C table, with the Pirates one place above in fourth. In Round 4, ‘Scottish’ lost 47-10 away to Exeter Chiefs, whilst the Pirates unfortunately went without a scheduled home game following the news that Jersey Reds had ceased trading.
In the at present injured absence of John Stevens, full-back Kyle Moyle will skipper the Cornish Pirates this weekend, with the starting XV showing several changes from the one that featured in the 64-17 win at Cambridge last time out. In the backs, centre Joe Elderkin returns to make what will be his 49th appearance for the Pirates, and Matt McNab moves out to the wing. Former Jersey ‘Red’ Tom Pittman is named at fly-half.
As for the pack, hooker Morgan Nelson, prop Marlen Walker, and lock Steele Barker are given starting roles, along with flanker Will Gibson and fit again number 8 Ben Grubb.
Looking forward to Friday’s contest, Cornish Pirates’ coach Louie Tonkin has commented:
“Friday’s match has importance to us as it provides a real last hit out opportunity before the league starts in a couple of weeks. Also, because we are playing London Scottish then as well, there is naturally extra significance.
“We expect them to provide tough opposition at home, which has generally been the case in recent years, plus they have a scattering of Harlequins talent as well.
“As for the overall Cup experience, we feel it has been brilliant, because it has been great for the guys in our squad to test themselves against Premiership opposition and to help them develop.”
The Cornish Pirates full selection for Friday evening is as follows:
Cornish Pirates: 15 Kyle Moyle (captain) 14 Will Trewin 13 Ioan Evans 12 Joe Elderkin 11 Matt McNab 10 Tom Pittman 9 Alex Schwarz; 1 Jack Andrew 2 Morgan Nelson 3 Marlen Walker 4 Josh Williams 5 Steele Barker 6 Harry Dugmore 7 Will Gibson 8 Ben Grubb.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Williams `17 Jacob Morris 18 Matt Johnson 19 Hugh Bokenham 20 Alex Everett 21 Ruaridh Dawson 22 Tom Georgiou 23 Dan John.
Pirates Keen to Put Up a Good Performance
