Pirates Understand the Challenge

This Saturday will see the Cornish Pirates travel to play Exeter Chiefs away in Round 2 of the Premiership Rugby Cup (kick off 3pm).

The Devon side selected a strong team in Round 1 last Saturday, who in the heat of September sun blasted away the challenge of a young and inexperienced Bristol Bears side. Indeed, the 75-0 scoreline speaks for itself, so the Pirates will be under no illusions other than to expect an understandably tough examination on the road this weekend.

There are four changes in the Cornish Pirates starting XV from the one that ran out against Bath at the Mennaye Field last Friday evening. Centre Ioan Evans and fly-half Iwan Jenkins get starting roles after appearing off the bench, as does lock Steele Barker who will partner Will Britton in the second row, Finally, fit again Alex Everett is selected at blindside flanker, him taking the place of skipper John Stevens who moves to number 8.

Included among the replacements is new arrival Oli Burrows, a young hooker who has joined the Pirates ranks on loan from Exeter Chiefs, whilst dual registered utility back Dan John is also named and, given the chance, will be keen to make his first competitive match for the Cornish side against his ‘parent’ club

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Sandy Park contest, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver has commented:

“We expect the Chiefs to pick another strong side this weekend, but from our perspective the aim has simply been to prepare well and go up there hopefully with a strong side, to then put our best foot forward.

“Naturally, we understand the challenge, which leaves us to make sure we leave our mark and game on the pitch, and if that is achieved then I am sure we will have given a good account of ourselves.”

The Cornish Pirates full selection is as follows:

Cornish Pirates:   15 Kyle Moyle 14 Will Trewin 13 Ioan Evans 12 Joe Elderkin 11 Arthur Relton 10 Iwan Jenkins 9 Ruaridh Dawson; 1 Leftheri Zigiriadis 2 Morgan Nelson 3 Marlen Walker 4 Will Britton 5 Steele Barker 6 Alex Everett 7 Will Gibson 8 John Stevens (captain).

Replacements:   16 Oli Burrows 17 Fin Richardson 18 Jack Andrew 19 Josh King  ???? 20 Harry Dugmore ???? 21 Alex Schwarz 22 Tom Pittman 23 Dan John.