London Scottish take on Cornish Pirates in their first Championship Cup match of the season at home at the RAG, kick-off 15:00.
Head coach Graham Steadman has announced his side to face Cornish Pirates tomorrow at the Richmond Athletic Ground.
Steadman said: “Preparation has gone really well, I think we are in a very good place. Of the 23 selected, 12 will be making their debuts for London Scottish which is very pleasing.
“I said right at the start of preseason, that players who consistently prepare well will be rewarded with selection and that has certainly been the case this weekend.
“It’s going to be quite interesting to see one or two of the boys step up from lower tier rugby to Championship rugby and see how they handle it against a quality team in Cornish Pirates.
“Pirates are very well drilled, they’ve made some very good signings. The one thing that impressed me from them last year, was the patience they have in possession.”
There are quite a few new faces to look out for within the line-up. Steadman is looking forward to seeing the new players in action.
“I think what the fans will be looking for are those new combinations and how the team is going to gel together and off the back of that there will always be one or two stand out performers.
“From what I’ve seen to date Luke Hibberd has really stepped up and shown glimpses of quality. Dan Barnes’ skill set is outstanding and his ability to pick a pass and exploit space is very good.
“Some of the guys that I worked with last season, for example Josh Barton, has been stepping up and making good process. A lot of these young guys have been given an opportunity and I’m personally very excited about the opportunity that Stevie and I have given them.”
One of the new faces is that of centre Matt Gordon, who joins us from Queensland, Australia.
On his first appearance at the RAG Gordon said: “I’m really excited to have my first game at the RAG. Just putting the shirt on and running out is going to feel pretty good.
“I’m really excited to experience the home support. My teammates have said how home games are pretty special. Throughout the season I’ll hopefully have a few friends and family come and see me play which I’m also really looking forward to.”
15. Luke Hibberd
14. Harry Barlow
13. Bobby Beattie
12. Matt Gordon
11. Elliott Creed
10. Dan Barnes
9. Josh Barton
8. Mark Bright
7. Lewis Wynne ©
6. Matt Eliet
5. Luke Frost
4. Matas Jurevicius
3. Phil Cringle
2. James Malcolm
1. Jonny Harris
REPLACEMENTS
16. Billy Harding, 17. Jordan Brodley, 18. Kyle Whyte, 19. Hugh Tizard, 20. Jack Ingall, 21. Charlie Gowling, 22. Ollie Allsopp, 23. Craig Duncan
