By Coventry Rugby 
By Alex Didlick
Coventry Rugby travel to the West Country this weekend to take on Hartpury RFC, aiming to build on last week’s emphatic win over Richmond. With confidence high after a free flowing attacking display at the Athletic Ground, Alex Rae’s men will be keen to keep momentum rolling as the Champ Rugby season gathers pace.
Saturday’s hosts, Hartpury, currently sit seventh in the table on 13 points and will be looking to bounce back after defeat to league leaders Ealing Trailfinders last time out. Known for their physicality and set-piece strength, the Gloucestershire outfit will pose a stern test for a Coventry side beginning to hit their stride.
Alex Rae has once again rotated his squad intelligently, balancing consistency with opportunity as his side prepares for another tough away challenge.
Rae has made a handful of changes to his matchday 23 as Coventry continue to rotate and develop squad depth through the early rounds of the campaign.
In the front row, Aristot Benz-Salomon returns at loosehead, joined by captain Jordon Poole and Eliot Salt, at tighthead after a string of impactful appearances from the bench. Behind them, the second-row pairing of Jack Shine and Senitiki Nayalo will look to continue their strong recent form, combining physicality and work rate.
The back row features Mackenzie Graham at blindside, Tom Ball on the openside, and the ever-reliable Morgan Strong at number eight.
In the half-backs, Sam Maunder returns to the starting 15 to partner Tommy Mathews, with the duo hoping to maintain the sharp tempo and attacking accuracy that defined Cov’s second half showing at Richmond. The midfield sees Api Bavadra join Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti, offering a balance of power and pace.
Out wide, Peter Sullivan- coming off his second consecutive hat-trick- starts on the left wing, with David Opoku-Fordjour on the right. Tom Bacon continues at full-back after another composed showing under the high ball.
Among the replacements, Murray Davidson, Toby Trinder and Matt Johnson add versatility to the front-row options. Allan Ferrie and Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi provide further forward cover. In the backs, Josh Barton, Morgan Adderly-Jones, and Ewan Baker round off a strong and balanced bench.
Coventry will be looking to keep their winning rhythm going as the Champ Rugby season begins to take shape, while Hartpury aim to make home advantage count. It’s all set for another intriguing battle in Gloucestershire. We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!
1. Aristot Benz-Salomon
2. Jordon Poole ©
3. Eliot Salt
4. Jack Shine
5. Senitiki Nayalo
6. Mackenzie Graham
7. Tom Ball
8. Morgan Strong
9. Sam Maunder
10. Tommy Mathews
11. Peter Sullivan
12. Api Bavadra
13. Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti
14. David Opoku-Fordjour
15. Tom Bacon
16. Murray Davidson
17. Toby Trinder
18. Matt Johnson
19. Allan Ferrie
20. Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi
21. Josh Barton
22. Morgan Adderly-Jones
23. Ewan Baker
