Pirates Expect Another ‘Ding Dong’ Test

As the Cornish Pirates look to ‘push on’ into 2020, they will naturally be keen to achieve a winning result at home to visiting Bedford Blues on Sunday (ko 2.30pm).

By the Blues standards theirs was a surprisingly disappointing start to this season’s Greene King IPA Championship, winning only one fixture to the end of 2019. Thus far in 2020, however, it has been a much brighter picture, with games won away to London Scottish and then at home to Hartpury. Clearly, despite Sunday’s contest being a second versus eleventh in the league match contest, the Pirates will be aware that the Blues pose a real threat.

This week’s selection for the Cornish Pirates sees one change in the backline from that which faced Jersey Reds last weekend. Jean-Baptist Bruzulier has picked up a slight injury during training, so he is replaced at scrum-half by Alex Schwarz. As for the forwards the whole front-row is changed, with Marlen Walker and Craig Mitchell the named props and Tom Channon the hooker, whilst in the back-row Antonio Kiri Kiri returns to the starting XV in the number ‘7’ shirt. Dual-registered with Wasps and available once again is back-rower Will Wilson who will be keen for action off the bench.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s fixture, Cornish Pirates’ coach Alan Paver has commented:

Looking at the Blues they perhaps struggled with their form earlier this season but have picked up these last few games.

They are a fine club, well coached and with good players. Passionate in what they do, and often considering us a rival, Sunday will be a big test for us.

We have had some real ‘ding dongs’ over the years, and I expect no different this weekend.

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Tickets for the game will be available at the gates on the day (open 12.30pm), whilst in the meantime they can also be purchased on-line.

For further information please visit www.cornish-pirates.com/tickets