| Mark Stevens Talks To Jim Mckay | |
 | Pirates Gear Up For Friendly Fire Cornish Pirates coachcwas in upbeat mood as his side made their final preparations ahead of their first pre-season friendly this weekend. The Pirates will host local rivals the Cornish All Blacks and Welsh side Ebbw Vale in a triangular tournament at the Mennaye Field on Saturday (kick-off 5pm). The tournament has been split into three 40 minute sessions with the Pirates tackling the All Blacks first up, then Ebbw Vale in a similar format, before the Welsh side wrap up proceedings with a final run-out against Lanson, who this week added new Kiwi fly-half Sam Young to their playing ranks. |
For the Pirates, however, the weekend represents the first competitive action part of their build-up to the new National League One season. Having been back in training for weeks, coach McKay admits he and his squad cannot wait to get out onto the pitch. The Aussie said: "We've still got three weeks to go before the season, so we are still very much working towards being in peak condition for that time. That said, the boys have been working very hard already with [conditioning coach] Simon Raynes and it will be good for them to get out on the field and start putting into place some of the things we have been working on. “We are playing on the Mennaye, which we know very well as it’s our training base, and will be playing in front of our own supporters, which is also nice.” He added: “It’s our first test of the season and it will be three different styles of rugby out on the pitch, so that’s good for those who come to watch. We’ve got most of our squad in action, plus the Academy boys will get a run as well.” Injuries and unavabilities mean that McKay is without Gavin Cattle, Iva Motusaga, Nick Makin, Chris Cracknell and Stanley McKeen, the latter of whom is on international duty with Canada against the US Eagles. Pirates v Launceston: Pirates v Ebbw Vale: Launceston: Ebbw Vale (from): Squad Pictures & Preview | Pre Season Friendlies
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