Pirates Aware That ‘Irish’ Provide a Massive Challenge

For their final Pool 3 game in this season’s new Championship Cup competition, Cornish Pirates’ eagerly awaited home clash against London Irish takes place at the Mennaye Field on Saturday, when the kick-off will be at the earlier time of 2pm.

Changes in the starting line-up from the team that ran out at Bedford last week include returns for Rory Parata and Callum Patterson to form the centre partnership. Up front, hooker Sam Matavesi and prop Tyler Gendall are named, whilst Josh Caulfield is selected alongside John Stevens and Tom Duncan in the back-row.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s encounter, Cornish Pirates’ co-coach Gavin Cattle has commented:

Firstly, looking back to Bedford last week, after a poor first half when we simply gave too many penalties away, I was pretty happy with the way we applied ourselves in the second period. We certainly looked dangerous at times, and there were aspects of our play that provided encouragement.

Now looking to Saturday, we are naturally aware of the massive challenge that Irish pose, there an understandable gulf between the two sides in terms of personnel and squad.

It’s also a time of year when resources are stretched, however our boys are rightly relishing the opportunity to test themselves against the strongest side in the division.