By Paul Smith 
Suva Ma’asi is rewarded for a string of outstanding recent displays with a starting role in the back row when Coventry travel to Ampthill tomorrow for a match that kicks off at 1.30pm.
The 27-year-old who has played over 60 games for Cov as a hooker has on previous occasions used his mobility and ferocious tackling to make a big impact as a replacement flanker.
Coventry head coach Alex Rae makes two other changes to the pack that started last Saturday’s clash with Northampton.
Stalwart prop Toby Trinder returns to the front row after fellow loose heads Billy Nairau and Jevaughn Warren suffered injuries during the cup contest against Saints.
And behind him the experienced James Tyas steps in for second row Obi Nkwocha who rotates to the replacements after starting all eight Cov games this term.
Rae also switches bench and starting roles for scrum-halves Will Lane and Josh Barton while Jimmy Martin retains the full back shirt in which he played the closing 30 minutes against Northampton.
Sale prop Ralph McEachran provides loan support from a bench that as usual contains six forwards among which hooker Will Biggs is in line to make a first appearance of the season.
Rae said his team reflects performances in training ahead of a tricky test at a venue where many visiting teams have come unstuck in recent times.
“We’ve got a couple of players back fit this week but have lost one or two others which is how things go sometimes,” he said.
“We’ve also made one or two small changes to freshen things up and bring some energy as one or two of the boys who have done well in training deserve a start.
“In many ways going to Ampthill this week will be harder for us than playing Leicester or Northampton in the Premiership Cup.
“They’re not flashy or the fanciest team in the world but they’re a good, solid side who always play well at home and they beat us there last season.”
Coventry: Jimmy Martin; Ryan Hutler, Daf-Rhys Tiueti, Tom Hitchcock, David Opoku; Tommy Mathews, Will Lane; Toby Trinder, Jordon Poole, Matt Johnson; James Tyas, Senitiki Nayalo; Tom Ball, Suva Ma’asi, Matt Kvesic.
Replacements: Will Biggs, Ralph McEachran, Eliot Salt, Rhys Anstey, Obinna Nkwocha, Josh Barton, Charlie Robson, Chester Owen
Tickets for Cov’s home game against Hartpury on Saturday December 7th can be purchased at https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/matchday-tickets/
