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George Oram starts for the first time this season against Ealing tomorrow (pic – Nick Meredith)

George Oram makes his first start of the season when Coventry Rugby face table-topping Ealing Trailfinders in West London tomorrow (3pm kick off).

The powerhouse lock, who was a leading figure in his club’s National One title win last season, made an appearance from the bench during last Saturday’s win over London Scottish, after which he featured prominently in Coventry Nighthawks’ Monday night win at London Irish A.

Oram partners Tom Jubb in the second row, in the continued absence of James Voss (concussion) while Alex Woolford is also missing due to a cut above the eye sustained in training.

Elsewhere in the pack, director of rugby Rowland Winter has named an unchanged front row, while Dan Faleafa switches from lock to flanker.

The Tongan international partners Ben Nutley and Ben Adams in the back-row, with Adam Peters rotated to the bench and Jack Ram resting a knee injury.

Behind the scrum, Cov are without James Stokes (hamstring), David Halaifonua (knee), Will Maisey (thumb) and Andy Bulumakau (concussion), none of whom are suffering injuries which are likely to keep them out of action for long.

This means the versatile Tony Fenner starts at full back, with Rob Knox, who impressed for the Nighthawks, and last week’s try-scorer Max Trimble completing the back three.

Heath Stevens returns to skipper the side from outside centre. Jake Sharp’s recovery from concussion means he plays outside the same nine-ten-twelve combination which started against London Scottish.

Winter opts for a five-two forwards-backs split on the bench where prop Jack Higgins, flanker Jack Preece and winger Junior Bulumakau come into the match-day squad.

Rowland Winter said:

“Ealing are a fantastic side who are top of the table for a reason after a great start to the year.

“Ben Ward has done a fantastic job there. It is only two or three years since they came up from National One and their ambition and progression is impressive. It is a very difficult place to go to and we will face a star-studded side.

“We are now starting to settle, and although a few injuries haven’t helped we have had a great week of preparation for this game.

“We are really looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to change our away form with a strong performance this weekend.

Coventry Rugby:

  1. James Gibbons
  2. Phil Nilsen
  3. Luc Jeannot
  4. Tom Jubb
  5. George Oram
  6. Dan Faleafa
  7. Ben Nutley
  8. Ben Adams
  9. Pete White
  10. Jake Sharp
  11. Max Trimble
  12. Sam Tuitupou
  13. Heath Stevens ©
  14. Rob Knox
  15. Tony Fenner

Replacements:

  1. Scott Tolmie
  2. Charlie Beech
  3. Jack Higgins
  4. Adam Peters
  5. Jack Preece
  6. Tom Kessell
  7. Junior Bulumakau

Watch Rowland Winter speak to BBC Coventry & Warwickshire’s Alec Blackman about tomorrow’s match below:

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