By Toby Costar 
Coventry Rugby have named six debutants as the club make their Greene King IPA Championship return against Jersey Reds on Saturday after an eight-year absence (kick-off 3pm).
Cov welcome Channel Islanders Jersey to Butts Park Arena on Saturday in hope of claiming a wining return to life in the second tier of English rugby.
Director of Rugby Rowland Winter has made two changes to the starting XV from the 55-14 thumping win over Wasps A last weekend with Rob Knox and Jack Ram coming in.
New acquisitions James Gibbons, James Voss, Adam Peters, Jack Ram, Tom Kessell and David Halaifonua will all make their league debuts in Blue and White.
After an impressive display during last weekend final pre-season outing, Jack Ram comes into the side as the coaching team make a small shuffle in the forward pack and Rob Knox joins the backline, replacing Junior Bulumakau.
Gibbons, Phil Nilsen and Phil Boulton all make up an unchanged front row from last weekend’s win and the three are joined again by Tom Jubb and Voss, who make up the front five.
Ram comes in for Ben Nutley, who picked up a small injury against Wasps that keeps him out, whilst Peters and Makaafi make up the back row.
Tom Kessell and Will Maisey continue to strengthen their half-back partnership after an impressive partnership in the last two games, with the fly-half boasting a 100% record against Wasps in the last pre-season match.
Experienced New Zealander Sam Tuitupou remains in midfield and will continue his perfectly formulated partnership with Heath Stevens, who captains the side in the season opener.
Knox returns to action after recovering from a niggling injury and will link up with Halaifonua and James Stokes to make up a back three full of power, speed agility. Tongan winger Halaifonua moves from out wide to full-back whilst Stokes swaps the other way.
Coventry Rugby Starting XV |
15. David Halaifonua, 14. Rob Knox, 13. Heath Stevens (C), 12. Sam Tuitupou, 11. James Stokes; 10 Will Maisey, 9. Tom Kessell; 1. James Gibbons, 2. Phil Nilsen, 3. Phil Boulton, 4. Tom Jubb, 5. James Voss, 6. Adam Peters, 7. Jack Ram, 8. Latu Makaafi
Replacements |
16. Scott Tolmie, 17. Charlie Beech, 18. Luc Jeannot, 19. Kailus Hutchinson, 20. Ben Adams, 21. Pete White, 22. Tony Fenner
Jersey Reds Starting XV |
15.Auguy Slowik, 14. Koch Marx, 13. Apakuki Ma’afu, 12. Mark Best, 11. Jason Worrall; 10. Brett Herron, 9. Will Homer; 1. Roy Godfrey (C), 2. Nick Selway, 3. Alec Clarey, 4. Jerry Sexton, 5. Dave McKern, 6. Max Argyle, 7. Conor Joyce, 8. Kyle Hatherell
Replacements |
16. Charlie Maddison, 17. Cameron Holenstein, 18. Leeroy Atalifo, 19. Charlie Beckett, 20. Janco Venter; 21. Hilton Mudariki, 22. James Newey.
Referee | Christophe Ridley
