By Coventry Rugby 
by Alex Didlick
Another crucial matchup for Coventry rolls around as they head on the road to Richmond. Last weekend’s contest against Ealing showcased both the promise and potential within Coventry’s game – their dynamic attacking structures shone brightly, while a few areas in discipline and defence offered valuable lessons to build on moving forward.
Head Coach, Alex Rae, will be looking to firm up the side as they head to Richmond for a tie that could become a platform for the rest of November and the wider season. With this in mind, Rae has enlisted four rotations to keep the team fresh and ready for the next challenge.
In the front row, Toby Trinder, Jordon Poole and Eliot Salt will be looking to firm up a frontline that struggled against the league leaders. Special mention to Salt who makes his 50th appearance, a brilliant servant of the club since joining in the 2023/24 season.
Behind the front row, Dan Green comes in to accompany Senitiki Nayala. The pair will be looking to offer up their services both in the ruck and within attacking plays. At flanker, Tom Ball switches to blindside with Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi taking up his place on the openside. Behind them last week’s captain, Morgan Strong, will look to cause havoc.
In the backs, the two Josh’s- Barton and Thomas- continue their half-back partnership. Last time out, Thomas displayed an impressive resilience to the swirling winds of the BPA, certainly no need to fret about his kicking credentials in the turbulent Autumnal conditions. Outside of Thomas, Api Bavandra comes into the attack after impressing with an unwavering determination to break the line in the second half last week. He will be accompanied by Oli Morris who likewise had a lively game last week. On the wings, quad hero Peter Sullivan did more than enough to retain his spot in the starting 15, with David Opoku-Fordjour on the other side. Ewan Baker returns to the starting lineup at full-back looking to bring flair and a safe pair of hands under the high ball.
As ever, the finishers will look to be full of vigour and aggression when called upon. In the defence, Murray Davidson, Aristot Benz-Salomon, Matt Johnson, Jack Shine, and Mackenzie Graham will be primed to bolster the scrum after the break. In the backs, Sam Maunder returns to the squad following his suspension in week 2 against Bedford Blues. Alongside him, Tommy Mathews and Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti complete the finshers.
It promises to be a fascinating clash at the Athletic Ground, with both teams looking for a win to reignite their season. For those of you heading down the M40 I’d recommend leaving with plenty of time available given the fact England are playing at Twickenham just down the road! Look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
- Toby Trinder
- Jordon Poole (C)
- Eliot Salt- 50th app
- Dan Green
- Senitiki Nayala
- Tom Ball
- Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi
- Morgan Strong
- Josh Barton
- Josh Thomas
- Peter Sullivan
- Api Bavadra
- Oli Morris
- David Opoku-Fordjour
- Ewan Baker
Finishers:
- Murray Davidson
- Aristot Benz-Salomon
- Matt Johnson
- Jack Shine
- Mackenzie Graham
- Sam Maunder
- Tommy Mathews
- Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti
