The next game for the Cornish Pirates is a Round 17 league game away to London Scottish on Saturday (ko 3pm).

The Pirates, who won 32-0 in this season’s home fixture played at the end of October, are aware that although ‘Scottish’ lie at the foot of the Championship table, they have competed well in games, run several teams close, and certainly cannot be taken lightly.

As is not unusual there are several changes in the Pirates starting line-up from the one that ran out against Coventry last week. In the injured absence of skipper John Stevens, centre Rory Parata will captain the side, and Jarrard Hayler is selected at number 8 for what will be his first league start. Wing Tommy Wyatt and lock Cory Teague are required by Exeter Chiefs, who on Sunday play London Irish away in the final of the required Premiership Rugby Cup, so Will Trewin and a fit again Will Britton are selected in their places. Joe Elderkin is also named at inside centre, Harry Bazalgette at fly-half, and Harvey Beaton at tight-head prop. A new name on the bench is that of 20-year-old Cornishman Ben Grubb, who will provide backrow cover on dual-registration from Exeter Chiefs.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s contest, Cornish Pirates’ coach Louie Tonkin has commented:

“The fact that London Scottish are presently the basement side in league to us means nothing, because we know they are a dogged outfit, and with quality in their group have competed well in most games.

“For our part it is great that we have shown some momentum, but that doesn’t mean we take anything for granted, and we really need to front up and bring the right energy the game deserves in an effort to get the result.

“The squad have picked up a number of bumps and bruises, and we’ll miss some of the Exeter boys because of the Premiership Cup final being played on Sunday. However, we are confident that the side selected will still be a strong one, as everybody has worked hard, opportunities have been taken, and a lot of character has been witnessed.”