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Pirates v Plymouth - Saturday 23/12/06 Kick Off 1400 PLYMOUTH Albion chairman of rugby Graham Dawe has warned his side to ready themselves for a rumbustious Cornish reception as Westcountry pride is putfirmly on the line in Saturday's derby battle with the Pirates at Camborne (2pm). With just a solitary point seperating either side as they head into derby battle, both are aware that not only would defeat tomorrow ensure Christmas lunch is somewhat spoiled, but it's April before local bragging rights can be rectified Not that either team is looking at defeat ahead of kick-off. Third-placed Albion head into the game on the back of an impressive 52-20 home win over Otley last Saturday, whilst the Pirates, currently fifth in National One, came within a whisker of defeating league leaders Leeds Tykes, before eventually settling for a 21-all draw. Whatever, it's a Christmas cracker supporters, players and officials cannot wait to pull. "It's been a long time coming," said Dawe yesterday. "We had three oustanding games against the Pirates last year and I think those games have helped whet the appetite for this weekend. Hopefully this game will be no different."
"We've had some real ding-dong battles with them in the past and this one is probably going to be the same." The mutual respect for either side is shared by Dawe, who added: "They have lots of threats, so you can't just single out one area of their game. They are a pretty accomoplished rugby team. They have a well versed defence, a great kick game with Cattle and Di Bernardo, and their set-piece is also pretty impressive. "Our task is to try and stop all that, as well as try and find ways through them - that won't be easy, will it? We've tried to analyse them both from last season and this season, but it's difficult because you're not quite sure what game plan they are going to have. "We have to focus on their game plan, tather than individuals. You only need look at them in the centres, they can pick from four quality players - Bell, Winn, Barratt and Roke - and I'm sure they could find a fifth if they needed to. It doesn't matter who they put out on the pitch, they are all top-class performers." However, as Albion demonstrated themselves against Otley, they are by no means any mugs and Dawe himself has a wealth of riches within his playing ranks. Despite that victory, the Albion chief has immediately recalled hard-hitting Tongan Keni Fisilau to his midfield, while prop Scott Zimmerman also starts. Fisilau - who was banned for a week by the club following three yellow cards for foul play - comes in for compatriot Sila Vaenuku, while Zimmerman is given the nod ahead of Deformes. In both cases, those dropping to the bench can feel a little hard done by. However, in modern-day sport there is no room for sentiment. "It's tough on both players," admitted Dawe, who is again without injured pair Wihan Neethling and Ben Gulliver. "Sila did very well last week, as did Francisco. We just felt Keni was the right choice for this game. He is experienced, he's played in these games before, and he's an integral part of the team. That said, Arran Cruickshanks and Sila are both putting huge pressure on him, so he knows he has to perform." Despite concerns over a number of his players, McKay has been boosted by the fact that both skipper Gavin Cattle and winger Rhodri McAtee have been passed fit for action. The two Welshman were forced out of the action against the Tykes last Sunday, but both have recovered in time for tomorrow's tussle. The pair line up in a Pirates side that shows just two changes to last time out, Jon Hylton is preferred to James Moore on the wing, while Canadian international Stan McKeen is back in harness after a fortnight out and takes over from Sam Betty at openside flanker. Betty, though, was one of several players singled out by McKay after last Sunday's draw. He said: "We had a lot of perceived frontliners out against Leeds, but I was really pleased with the guys who came in, like Sam Betty and Joe Beardshaw. I am really pleased with the depth we have got in the squad. "We have not got rock stars or superstars, but we have got a good team that works hard for each other and that was pretty evident against Leeds." Among those watching the Leeds fixture was Dawe, who was quick to dismiss any kind of talk that the Pirates may be feeling the affects of that encounter. "They won't have any problems with Plymouth coming down," admitted Dawe. "I'm sure there is still plenty of water in the reservoir. As a player you can't help but get excited about these kind of games. "It will be pretty hostile down there, Camborne is a bit of a cauldron for visiting teams. Pride and passion will have a part to play, but so will current form. To be fair to them, they've just come out of a big game and done reasonably well, so it will be interesting to see what happens." Pirates officials are expecting the club's biggest gate of the season with over 4,000 tickets already sold ahead of kick-off. Supporters attending the game are asked to arrive early in a bid to help avoid any crowd or traffic congestion.
Pirates
Replacements: N Makin, D Seal, T Cowley, I Motusaga, J Moore, S Winn, L Vinnicombe.
PLYMOUTH ALBION N Saumi; T Arscott, R van Eyk, K Fisilau, N Sestaret; E Barnes,
E Lewsey; Replacements (from): |
