
By Alex Didlick
Fresh off last week’s thrilling victory at the BPA, Coventry hit the road once again, this time making the short trip down the M40 to face Chinnor RFC in Oxfordshire.
Confidence will be high in the camp after strong performances in both matches to open the season. This week’s team selection by Head Coach Alex Rae reflects his eagerness to keep the squad fresh and ready for the long, gruelling season ahead.
For the first time this season, club captain and hooker Jordon Poole is rotated to the bench in place of Suva Ma’asi. Ma’asi is accompanied by Aristot Benz-Salomon and Matt Johnson in the front row. The fresh look ensures there’s plenty of firepower from the start and awaiting in the wings. Behind them, Allan Ferrie, Senitiki Nayalo, Mackenzie Graham, and Tom Ball make up the second row with a couple of rotations from last weekend. At 8 and captaining this weekend after a player of the match award last weekend is Morgan Strong. He’ll be looking to build on his excellent start to the season.
Behind the scrum, Josh Barton replaces the suspended Sam Maunder. Barton, who had a brilliant second-half cameo last week assisting Strong’s try, will be partnering Tommy Mathews, reigniting their 9-10 partnership. The centre pairing remains the same with Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti and Oli Morris forming a hard-running centre duo. Tom Bacon retains his spot at 15, while the pace of Ewan Baker and David Opoku-Fordjour provides plenty of threat out wide.
Among the replacements, Jordon Poole, Keston Lines, and Eliot Salt cover the front row, while Dan Green and Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi add further options in the forwards. Tom Miles, Josh Thomas, and Api Bavadra complete the matchday 23.
Coventry will be looking to make it 2 wins from 3 and secure a first away win of the season against a Chinnor side full of ambition on home soil. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible!
1. Aristot Benz-Salomon
2. Suva Ma’asi
3. Matt Johnson
4. Allan Ferrie
5. Senitiki Nayalo
6. Mackenzie Graham
7. Tom Ball
8. Morgan Strong ©
9. Josh Barton
10. Tommy Mathews
11. Ewan Baker
12. Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti
13. Oli Morris
14. David Opoku-Fordjour
15. Tom Bacon
16. Jordon Poole
17. Keston Lines
18. Eliot Salt
19. Dan Green
20. Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi
21. Tom Miles
22. Josh Thomas
23. Api Bavadra