Cornish Pirates

RFU Championship Round 1`

Sunday 6th September 2009
Kick-off 3pm

Phil Westren's Preview

When the Pirates travel to Nottingham for their opener in the new RFU 'Championship', they will be under no illusions to expect nothing less than a mightily tough encounter.

The Pirates have lost their last five fixtures against the 'Green & Whites', who finished fourth in last season's National One campaign.

Nottingham will be disappointed to lose players the quality of centre Tim Molenaar to Gloucester, No. 8 Dan Montagu to Bristol, and hooker Joe Duffey to Leicester (although he played for Nottingham in their 27-22 pre-season 'friendly' win away to a Northampton Saints XV at Frankin's Gardens last Sunday), but director of rugby Glenn Delaney is a shrewd individual, with fellow 'Kiwi' Chris Hammond a skipper who always demands respect.

Nottingham have confirmed this week that they have captured the signature of former England centre Ben Johnston, who is likely to make his debut for the 'Green & Whites' against the Pirates on Sunday.

Having spent time with Saracens, Northampton Saints and with Brive in France, the arrival of such an experienced player has provided Nottingham with a boost following the news that influential midfield performer Tim Molenaar has recently moved to Gloucester.

Other players of known quality include the likes of flanker Luke Sherriff, lock Nic Rouse, the half-back pairing of Tim Taylor and Tim Usasz, plus other influential backs such as Greig Tonks, Rohaan Nirmalendran and David Jackson – the club's leading points and try scorer last season.

Six players in the Pirates XV will be making their 'league' debuts for the Pirates, namely centre Nick Jackson, fly-half Jonny Bentley, flanker Tyrone Holmes, locks Laurie McGlone and Luke Collins, and prop Rudi Brits.

Three more close season arrivals are named among the replacements. They are prop Carl Rimmer, hooker Dave Ward, and back Rob Cook.

One thing will appear certain for the Pirates on Sunday and throughout the season, and that is they will not lack for commitment...

The fitness levels should also be high, with it anticipated that gifted skill levels will improve still further, both individually and collectively, for the ultimate benefit of team performance.

An exciting and enthralling season lies ahead.

 

Cornish Pirates
W. Davies, A. Havili, N. Jackson, M. Ireland, J. Moore
J. Bentley, G. Cattle (capt), B. Cowan, T. Holmes, C. Morgan
L. McGlone, L. Collins, R. Brits, R. Elloway, A. Paver.

Replacements:  
C. Rimmer, D. Ward, P. Andrew, S. Betty, R. Jones, R. Bright, R. Cook.