Pirates Are Aware of The Challenge Ahead

Next up for the Cornish Pirates is an RFU Championship Round 9 fixture away to Jersey Reds on Saturday (ko 2.15pm).

This 3^rd versus 2^nd match is expected to be a ‘toughie’, remembering that the Pirates have struggled over the years to win in the league at the Jersey team’s Stade Santander International ground in Saint Peter. Indeed, having notched a 6-20 result when first meeting in the league back in September 2012, the Pirates have since recorded just one other such league victory on the island, 10-23, in January 2020.

Both sides are presently in good form. The Reds commendably stood toe to toe and gained two deserved bonus points in a narrow 35-29 defeat away to league leaders Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday, whilst in front of a big crowd the Pirates had a bonus point providing 39-24 win at home to Bedford Blues.

The Pirates have made four changes in their starting line-up for this weekend. Replacing Callum Sirker and also AJ Cant who took a knock against Bedford, a fit again Robin Wedlake makes his first start of the season in the number 14 shirt and on the other wing Tommy Wyatt is back from Premiership Rugby Cup duty with Exeter Chiefs. Antonio Kiri Kiri, who featured as an early replacement following injury to flanker John Stevens last Saturday, continues on the open-side berth. Lastly, Tom Duncan returns to captain the side at Number 8, with Caleb Montgomery taking a place on the bench.

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

“Naturally we are aware Jersey pushed Ealing all the way last Saturday and that the close score was a true reflection of the game.

“We also now know the challenge that lies ahead and what we are coming up against, and at a ground where success has hard to come by over the years. However, if we want to be serious Championship contenders it is games such as this that we need to win.”