Pirates Consider Richmond a Dangerous Side to Play

Following their 31-21 victory away to Coventry last weekend, the Cornish Pirates are on the road again this week for their rescheduled fixture versus Richmond (ko 2pm).

This match is a 9^th versus 3^rd contest in the league, and although the Pirates won 33-18 when the two teams last met at the Mennaye Field in September, nothing less than a tough encounter is expected.

The Pirates side shows various changes from the team that faced Coventry, some forced by minor injury unavailability and another because luckless centre Callum Patterson last week suffered a dislocation and fracture of the ankle on his long-awaited return to the starting line-up.

Carwyn Penny is named at full-back, a fresh centre pairing combines Tommy Wyatt and Shae Tucker, and Harry Bazalgette is lined up to make his second start for the team. In the pack, prop Alfie Petch swaps places with Sam Rodman who takes a seat on the bench, and in a rejigged back row Caleb Montgomery moves from 8 to 6 and Matt Bolwell from 6 to 7. Tom Duncan, a try-scoring replacement against Coventry is named at 8, with Antonio Kiri Kiri listed this week among the replacements. Also keeping seats warm beside him are fit again club captain Nicolas De Battista and wing Alex O’Meara who was a try-scorer on loan to Redruth last week in their win at Old Albanians.

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

“Richmond can be a dangerous side to play. They have a pretty consistent team and where recruitments have been made there are players with considerable Championship experience – and none more so than the evergreen Mark Bright who is a joint top try-scorer in the league this season.”

“Also, as we all know, Richmond have built a great team spirit over the years that has so often served them well. However, at the same time we hold belief in our own ability and spirit as a squad and, during a period when it seems for us every week is a Cup Final, we have to strive to keep winning to stay in touch with the top teams.”

Post-Match ‘Six Nations’ Screening – For awareness of travelling supporters, the England versus Scotland Six Nations match (ko 4.45pm) will be shown ‘live’ on big screens in the clubhouse following the conclusion of the Richmond fixture.

For further general useful information, please link to:

https://www.richmondfc.co.uk/