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Aaron Hinkley to make first Championship start of the season
By Paul Smith
The introduction of all-action flanker Aaron Hinkley is the only change made to Coventry Rugby's starting line-up for tomorrow's home game against Bedford Blues (Butts Park Arena, 3pm kick off).
The former Northampton back-rower's selection sees Fijian powerhouse Senitiki Nayalo move from his usual role at No.8 into the second row where he partners Obinna Nkwocha.
In a further positional switch, former England forward Matt Kvesic moves across the back-row from the openside flank to replace Nayalo at no.8 while Tom Ball completes the back-row on the blindside flank.
Elsewhere in the pack, head coach Alex Rae retains the same starting front row combination with fit-again club captain Jordon Poole named as replacement hooker.
It is a case of as-you-were behind the scrum where Cov retain the back division that began their 19-45 success at the Richmond Athletic Ground last Friday.
This means Liam Richman who kicked 15 points in a perfect six-from-six display from the tee makes his home league debut at fly-half alongside Josh Barton.
Rhys Anstey takes Hinkley's seat among the replacements where Rae again opts for six forwards.
The Blue-and-Whites' second personnel change sees recent recruit Charlie Morris given the chance to make a first league start for his new club from the bench where he provides cover for the outside backs.
Looking ahead to a mouth-watering opening home league game which is set to be played in front of a bumper crowd, Rae said his former club will offer a stern test of Cov’s credentials.
“Bedford are a really good team and after making a great start last week they’ll be coming here full of confidence so we’re expecting a tough game,” he said.
“Starting with a good win at Scottish also means we approach this week with confidence - when you send the team out with a game plan and it works it generates that extra bit of belief.
“We have a good squad to choose from with very few injuries and we’ve made one or two changes this week to reflect how we want to play.”
Coventry: Davies; Martin, Morris, Tiueti, Hutler; Richman, Barton; Trinder, Ma'asi, Nairau; Nkwocha, Nayalo; Ball, Hinkley, Kvesic.
Replacements: Poole, Warren, Johnson, Tyas, Anstey, Lane, Morris, Okeke
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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