RUGBY NEWS: Knights ready for Championship opener
Brett Davey has named seven debutants for Doncaster Knights first Championship match of the new season against Plymouth Albion.
The Director of Rugby has selected a very strong side on paper led by the recently appointed skipper Matt Challinor who is excited for tomorrow’s big kick-off at Brickfields (3pm).
“It’s really exciting to get under way this Saturday, we’ve worked hard in pre-season and identified the problem areas that need
putting right, but we are quietly confident and looking forward to the Championship season.
“We need to target our ruck defence which hasn’t been up to scratch so far and being one of Plymouth’s strengths we will need to address it from the first breakdown. We know they’ll be tough to beat with a good pack and tight defence, but we are up for the battle.”
New recruits Rhys Buckley, Brian McGovern, Royce Cadman, Jethro Rawling, Sam Pailor, Dante Mama and James Tincknell will all have a massive hand to play in Saturday’s match as they continue to bond as a unit improving in each of the pre-season matches.
The returning outside-half Jamie Lennard has only missed one kick from the tee, clattering the post against Cambridge, but his new leader believes he is the vital component that was missing last year.
“Jamie’s goal kicking record speaks for itself, but he offers much more than just kicking from the tee, he gives us guidance and places us in the right areas of the pitch,
which was missing last year.
“Personally I am looking for a better performance because I don’t think I’ve done enough in the friendly matches. I’m comfortable at flanker, but need to prove my worth in that jersey to earn the respect of the new lads and lead from the front, but I’m sure league
rugby will bring the best out of me again.”
The Knights know how tough a trip to Devon can be, last year losing out 18-6 thanks to two Tyson Lewis tries, but confidence is high in the camp and they will be searching for a win on their first outing to register points on the board.
Knights starting XV
15 Michael Keating
14 Dougie Flockhart
13 James Tincknell
12 Tom Luke
11 Dante Mama
10 Jamie Lennard
9 Chris Hallam
1 Tom Davies
2 Rhys Buckley
3 Brian McGovern
4 Royce Cadman
5 Dominic Parsons
6 Matt Challinor ©
7 Jethro Rawling
8 Sam Pailor
Replacements
16 Jerry Cronin
17 Ben Sowery
18 Phil Hoy
19 Andy Boyde
20 Adam Kettle
21 Louis Silver
22 Will Simpson
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