By Paul Smith 
Coventry Rugby head coach Alex Rae makes only one change to the starting line-up that last weekend demolished Doncaster for tomorrow’s testing trip to Ealing.
After scoring seven of Cov’s eight tries against the previously-unbeaten Knights, the back division is retained en bloc for the round five Championship clash with a home side who also this season boast a to-date unblemished record.
With loose head prop Elliot Chilvers and lock Rhys Anstey both unavailable to face the Trailfinders under the terms of their season-long loan agreements from the Vallis Way club, the sole change to Cov’s run-on team sees on-loan Bath prop Arthur Cordwell move from the bench to take a starting shirt.
Anstey’s replacement role is taken by Paddy Ryan who missed last weekend’s win while on international duty with the USA where he played 67 minutes of their 42-12 La Vila International Rugby Cup final win over Spain.
Tom Ball has recovered from the late knock suffered against Doncaster to take his place in the back row with former Saracen Obi Nkwocha again named in the second row alongside James Tyas.
Evan Mitchell also comes on to the bench as cover for the backs where he is joined by the on-loan Premiership front row trio of John Stewart (Bath), Danny Southworth (Exeter) and Cal Ford (Sale).
Rae said his team have every chance despite facing opponents that he recognised as being of the highest calibre.
“Ealing are previous champions of this league, they’re currently top of the table and have a squad filled with Premiership and international players so it is certain to be a tough game for us,” he said.
“Although it’s only our fourth league game of the season, it’s the sort of occasion where if we have ambition to do well we have to give a good account of ourselves.
“We have happy memories of the last time we played there; we now have to turn up with a really good attitude and a positive mindset. We’re full of confidence after last week and if we play to 100 per cent of our ability I have no doubt that we can win.
“But equally I’m sure they’re sat there saying they can beat Coventry too so it should make for a great game.”
Coventry: Wilson; Hutler, Wand, Rigg, Martin; Pellegrini, Chudley; Cordwell, Poole, Salt; Tyas, Nkwocha; Ball, Kvesic, Nayalo.
Replacements: Stewart, Southworth, Ford, Smith, Ryan, Lane, Bartlett, Mitchell.
Tickets for Coventry’s next Championship home game against Hartpury on Saturday December 2nd are available from: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/matchday-tickets/
