By Paul Smith 
Coventry Rugby’s hopes of clinching a first-ever win at Cornish Pirates have been boosted by the return from injury of the Championship’s leading points scorer Pat Pellegrini.
The Tongan international fly half missed his club’s round 19 home win over London Scottish last weekend due to an infected leg.
But after a full week of training Cov’s no.10 is ready to resume – for the final time in league rugby – his half-back partnership with retirement-bound Will Chudley.
Pellegrini’s return is the only change made by head coach Alex Rae to the side that made it eight consecutive bonus point wins with their last-time-out success over the Exiles.
This means prolific try-scoring wings Jimmy Martin and Ryan Hutler join Tobi Wilson in a pacy back three whose contribution to a match likely to be played in summer conditions could prove crucial.
Cov know a first win at Mennaye Field will clinch at least a best-ever second place finish in English rugby’s second tier and Rae is banking on a same-again pack to deliver the possession with which attack-minded Cov can create this piece of history.
With Tiki Nayalo still away on British Army duty this means Matt Kvesic retains the no.8 shirt with Obi Nkwocha adding height and bulk from the blindside flank.
Rhys Anstey partners James Tyas in the engine room behind the experienced front row trio of Toby Trinder, Jordon Poole and Adam Nicol who have performed so well in recent weeks.
Cov’s bench is also close to unchanged with the exception of fit-again outside back Louis James being named in the no.23 shirt.
Rae played tribute to his players’ commitment and enthusiasm levels at the end of a long season and said they are travelling with plenty of confidence.
“We’re on a really good roll at the moment having won eight on the bounce and we really want to keep that momentum going and finish strongly,” he said.
“That record has been built on a really good work ethic from the players and we’ve seen more of that in the last few days when training has felt more like the first week of the season than the last.
“Every time we get on the pitch the players are so focused on getting better and continuing to improve and if you have that attitude to time on the training ground Saturdays become that bit easier.”
Coventry Rugby: Wilson; Hutler, Wand, Betteridge, Martin; Pellegrini, Chudley; Trinder, Poole, Nicol; Tyas, Anstey; Nkwocha, Ball, Kvesic.
Replacements: Ma’asi, Nairau, Salt, Owen, Ryan, Lane, Mannion, James
Buy tickets to Coventry Rugby’s 150th anniversary celebration match against England U20’s on Saturday May 25th here: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/matchday-tickets/
