Cornish Pirates

RFU Championship Round 4

Sunday 27th September 2009
Kick-off 3pm

Phil Westren's Preview

If the Cornish Pirates win the game at home to Coventry this Sunday, it'll be the first time they will have remained unbeaten in the month of September since 2005.

There has been much to admire in the way the Pirates have gone about their task in this particular campaign, but they will take nothing for granted and will wisely give opponents the respect they deserve.

The Pirates side shows a number of changes from the team that started last time out against Doncaster, with Rod Labuschagne making his Championship debut at lock.

Laurie McGlone , who has filled the berth admirably, will no doubt be delighted to step back a row to take up his more accustomed role of No. 8.

He, along with props Carl Rimmer and Rudi Brits, will be facing a number of former colleagues on Sunday, having joined the Pirates from Coventry during the close season.

Included on the bench is Matt Evans, who is another making a welcome return after serving his suspension following his sending off against Doncaster in April.

Cornish Pirates:
W. Davies, J. Moore, N. Jackson, S. Winn, R. McAtee
J. Bentley, B. Jones, L. McGlone, S. Betty, B. Cowan (capt)
R. Labuschagne, L. Collins, R. Brits, R. Elloway, C. Rimmer.

Replacements:
P. Andrew, A. Paver, D. Ward, M. Evans, T. Holmes, M. Ireland, R. Jones.

High Performance Manager: Chris Stirling

Coventry – team named for the programme:-
B. Russell, J. Lewis, P. Mackenzie, C. Lewis, R. Plantey
F. Apikotoa, N. Jones, A. Carpenter, R. Bignell, J. Miller (capt)
B. Dechartres, S. Herrington, R. Dugard, J. Merrigan, D. Maddocks.

Replacements:
R. McMillan, J. Hall, H. Venter, B. Pons, M. Walls, T. Hayes, W. Hurrell.

Rugby Director: Phil Maynard

Referee : J.P. Doyle (RFU) Assistants: Steve Leyshon & Nigel Higginson

Referee Coach : Ed Morrison

Mascots : Oliver Williams & Angus Hallam

Match Day Sponsor : Kernow Model Rail Centre

Match Ball Sponsor : Boosters Limited

Associate Sponsors : Bardon Concrete & St. Austell Brewery

 

Preview Part 2

Having beaten Doncaster 21-10 away last Friday, which was a super effort, the Pirates injury-ravaged squad have a chance of ending the month unbeaten, which would paint a completely different picture from that witnessed at the start of last season when the club had disappointingly lost three games going into October

After having faced and survived a well documented financial crisis, Coventry for the second season running finished ninth in National One last season. To a degree it was a case of job done, as their essential need was to finish in the top eleven to thus secure a spot in the Championship.

As for this season, 'Cov' will naturally be aiming for a top eight finish, but nothing is guaranteed for most clubs in the division and Phil Maynard, Coventry's Director of Rugby, will be mightily keen for his much-changed squad to gel in good time and record the results necessary.

Of a relatively small number of players who departed the Butts Park Arena last season, three headed to the south-west to join us, namely Laurie McGlone, who had been their top try-scorer for two consecutive seasons, plus the prop pairing of Rudi Brits and Carl Rimmer. Of other influential performers who decided to move on, their top points scorer in last season's campaign, Myles Dorrian, has moved to Bedford, whilst hooker Chris Whitehead has joined London Wasps.

In total, 19 new faces have joined the Midlanders, which makes the point that their squad might take a little time, quite justly, to evolve.

There is plenty of quality in their ranks, and the usual blend of experience and youth. Locks Arthur Brenton (ex Plymouth Albion) and Louis McGowan (ex Rotherham Titans) are respected individuals, young Will Hurrell is a promising young wing on loan from Leicester, and much is expected from 20 times capped Tongan international fly-half Fangatapu Apikotoa – go on, try and pronounce it.

So, how have things gone for Coventry to date this season? Well, having beaten Rotherham 21-12 in their first match, they have lost at Bedford 42-6, and at home to Exeter 13-27.

The game against the Chiefs was also played on a Friday night under lights, at the same time as the Pirates played Doncaster away. Coventry's one try in the match was scored by our friend Fangatapu, with full-back Ben Russell, who is another able individual that demands respect, kicking a conversion and two penalties.

 

This match will also be shown Live On Pirates TV