Strong gets nod to do battle with Bulumakau

CORNISH Pirates co-coach Gavin Cattle has made just one change to the side following last week’s opening round 31-24 win against Doncaster.

Harry Strong starts on the left wing in place of Matt Evans and must contain Coventry’s Fijian-born powerhouse Junior Bulumakau, making his debut after joining from Glasgow Warriors.

Cattle said: “Last Sunday was a typical opening game with the pressure of the Championship and although we weren’t at our best we stuck to it and earned the result.

“As for this weekend against Coventry, added to the considerable momentum after being promoted at the end of last season and them having also recruited strongly we are aware that a massive challenge faces us.”

Bulumakau replaces Rob Knox on the right wing, while former Australia Sevens star Ben Adams makes his debut at No.8 and Tony Fenner starts in midfield in three changes to the side that defeated Jersey 20-15 in the first game back in the Championship.

Former Pirates scrumhalf Tom Kessell, 28, who played more than 50 times for the club before joining Northampton in 2015, retains his place to face his old team-mates after impressing last weekend.

Director of rugby Rowland Winter said: “The squad has trained really well this week, there is a buzz around the group and they are excited to take on Cornish Pirates.

“We know it will be a big challenge. Pirates are an established team looking to pressure the top end of the table and had a strong start last week with a bonuspoint win.”