Paver tells Pirates to take their chances

AFTER seeing his side come up just short 28-26 at Carnegie last Sunday, head coach Alan Paver has challenge his team to make their opportunities count today as they search for only their second win of the season.

Full-back Tom May captains the side with Nicolas De Battista dropping to the bench having taken a knock against Carnegie.

Paver said: “Every game is tough and it comes down to a few decisions that can go either for or against you.

“This will provide another test, as our opponents are making terrific strides, play a very good brand of rugby and move the ball well across the park.

“It will be up to us to create and apply pressure in the right areas, and importantly capitalise on chances that arise. Nottingham are extremely well coached and have players who have responded so it’s a challenge we will respect.”

Prop Jack Andrew, who will be making his 100th appearance for the Pirates, centre Dan Koster and lock Toby Freeman come into the side. If given a call off the bench, it would be a debut appearance for scrum-half Angus Taylor.

Nottingham head coach Ian Costello makes three changes to the side that defeated Hartpury 31-28 last weekened. Hooker Jimmy Stevens returns in place of Ben Brownlie, Tongan international Vili Hakalo comes into the centre and Will Millett starts at full-back.

The Green and Whites will be looking for back-toback wins for the first time this season and to end their first block of six league games on a high, before their B&I Cup campaign.

Pirates came out on top in both meetings between the sides last season.