Irish backs Academy lads to maintain winning run

BRISTOL Grammar School’s highly rated England U18 duo Will Capon and Charlie Powell are named on the bench as Bristol keep faith with the youngsters who recorded an opening win in the competition last weekend.

Academy forwards coach Mark Irish is again in charge of the side with Pat Lam taking a step back from proceedings.

Irish said: “We were delighted with the attitude and commitment on show from our players in last week’s win over Cardiff Premiership Select.

“The challenge now is to back it up against a disciplined Doncaster team who will be looking to end our unbeaten streak. Once again, we’ve selected a young squad of hungry, talented players, some of whom have not experienced playing at Ashton Gate.

“They will be eager to show exactly what they can do in front of the home supporters.” Winger George Perkins is set for his first outing since joining from Saracens in the summer.

Will Owen captains the Knights and director of rugby Clive Griffiths is looking for a solid display to kick-start their league capaign.

He said: “I’m looking for a really good performance and for us to ask questions of the opposition.

“A good show would put us in a positive frame of mind for our return to Championship rugby against Cornish Pirates.

“We’ve worked on getting more shape into our attack and being more clinical in training this week.”