Ealing Trailfinders scrum-half Craig Hampson believes his side have what it takes to cope with Doncaster Knights’ physicality and make it two RFU Championship wins in a row this weekend.
Trailfinders hit their try-scoring straps against Yorkshire Carnegie last week, going over ten times in a dominant 66-13 victory at Headingley.
Director of rugby Ben Ward has rung the changes in the pack for his side’s second visit to Yorkshire in a week, with Alun Walker, Elliot Millar Mills, Sam Dickinson and Ben West all coming in and Hampson also being included at No. 9.
FULL TIME: Yorkshire Carnegie 13-66 Ealing Trailfinders.
— Ealing Trailfinders (@ealingtfrugby) November 10, 2019
1️⃣0️⃣ tries = a convincing bonus point win on the road 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/eoxWWwBsZQ
And the 29-year-old Hampson, whose team currently sit fourth in the table, says they are well equipped to deal with the Knights’ physical threat.
“Castle Park is a great place to play and we know we’re in for a tough game against a physical team,” he said.
“Last week was a good all-round performance and the mood is really high in the camp now.
“We’re confident in our own ability and these are matches that we need to win.”
Ward has selected a back-row consisting of Jordy Reid, Andrew Durutalo and captain Rayn Smid, with Craig Willis at fly-half and Harry Sloan and Lewis Jones in midfield.
In the back three, Reon Joseph starts on the left wing and is joined by Elijah Niko on the right and David Johnston at full-back.
TEAM NEWS:
— Ealing Trailfinders (@ealingtfrugby) November 15, 2019
Here is our match day 23 to take on Doncaster Knights tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/CnppyaBizQ
Matt Cornish, Jake Ellwood and Craig Trenier offer a front-row alternative on the bench, while Harry Casson, Kieran Murphy and Oli Robinson cover the rest of the pack.
Nathan Fowles provides scrum-half back-up, with Tommy Bell completing the match day squad.
Another win for Trailfinders would see them heap further pressure on the sides at the business end of the division, seeking to close the gap on table-topping Newcastle Falcons – who were relegated from the Premiership last season.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article