Cornish Pirates Head to Gloucester: Will New Line-Up Change Their Fortunes?

The Cornish Pirates are set to face Gloucester in their second Premiership Cup match in Pool E this Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm. Following a heavy home defeat to the Exeter Chiefs, the Pirates are approaching this fixture with both determination and significant line-up changes.

A First-Time Clash at Kingsholm

This match marks the Pirates’ debut at Gloucester’s home ground, Kingsholm, where they will encounter a formidable opponent. Gloucester heads into this fixture on the back of a close 31-26 win over Hartpury in their cup opener, showcasing their ability to secure a bonus point victory on the road.

Pirates’ Line-Up Adjustments

After their 68-7 loss to Exeter, the Pirates have made several adjustments. Will Trewin will start at full-back, while Robin Wedlake returns on the wing. Cam Jones takes the position at scrum-half, and Harry Yates will partner Tom Georgiou in the centre due to Joe Elderkin’s injury. Among the forwards, hooker Harry Hocking will be supported by Billy Young and James French in the front row. Notably, Oisin Michel, a former Ireland under-20s prop who featured in pre-season friendlies, is set to make his competitive debut from the bench.

The full Pirates selection for Saturday is listed below:

Cornish Pirates:   15 Will Trewin 14 Robin Wedlake 13 Tom Georgiou 12 Harry Yates 11 Matt McNab 10 Bruce Houston 9 Cam Jones; 1 Billy Young 2 Harry Hocking 3 James French 4 Charlie Rice 5 Eoin O’Connor 6 Josh King 7 Will Gibson 8 Hugh Bokenham (captain).

Replacements:   16 Sol Moody 17 Oisin Michel 18 Jay Tyack 19 Matt Cannon 20 Tomi Agbongbon 21 Dan Hiscocks 22 Iwan Price-Thomas 23 Charlie McCaig.

Coach Joe Walsh on the Road Ahead

Reflecting on the team’s recent performance, Pirates’ coach Joe Walsh acknowledged the challenges faced against the Chiefs but saw positive aspects in the players’ attitude. “Firstly, last Friday was naturally tough against the Chiefs, but although it is at times difficult to take positives from such a hefty defeat I feel as a group we did,” Joe said. “At halftime there was still a lot of fight in us, and right to the end of the game we impressed with our tackling and in some of the collisions.”

Looking forward to Saturday, Joe remarked, “For this weekend another mighty challenge is inevitably in prospect, and we will be prepared for full intensity and noise. In training, with available bodies we have worked on improving our systems and executions and keen to give a good account of ourselves will endeavour to apply our learning.”

The Pirates will be hoping that these changes and their renewed focus will set them up to deliver a competitive performance against Gloucester’s strong line-up at Kingsholm.