| Pirates V Chiefs - 'Derby ' Match Preview |
| Cornish Pirates v Exeter
Chiefs
It has all the ingredients necessary - a near top of the table clash, a local derby, and much more besides - as the Pirates beat the Chiefs to win the EDF Energy National Trophy at Twickenham in April. As Peter Drewett, Exeter's Director of Rugby, stressed succinctly: "Such games are ones that fully motivate everyone involved ." Exeter will travel west across the Tamar unbeaten after five games, third-placed as leaders Northampton and second-placed Doncaster have extra bonus points. There are four former Pirates named in their squad, brothers Mark and Alaifatu Fatialofa form the centre partnership, Dan Parkes is named at loose-head, whilst Wade Kelly is on the replacements bench. New faces in Exeter's colours will include the half back pairing of Clive Stuart-Smith (ex Llanelli Scarlets) and Danny Gray (ex Bristol), plus several other experienced and very able performers. One man about to make his debut for the Cornish Pirates is scrum-half Ed Fairhurst, who has just arrived in Cornwall from World Cup duty with Canada, whilst prop Alan Paver is selected at loose-head prop for his first league outing this season after having been injured in the 'friendly' against Leicester Tigers. With full-back Adryan Winnan still not available for selection because of injury, there is another chance for Ollie Thomas - a debutant at Newbury - to impress once more. A big crowd is expected at the Recreation Ground, Camborne, on Sunday (KO 3pm), its recommended that supporters arrive early to avoid congestion.
|
