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News
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We are very hopeful that the game will be on. The ground is in same condition as Friday when it became playable by lunchtime. Xmas lunch will take place.
Doncaster Knights v Coventry on Saturday 2.00pm
Toma Toke makes starting debut for Knights
Lynn Howells is demanding that his charges put last week’s disappointing defeat at Exeter behind them this Saturday when Coventry visit Castle Park in the first rematch as the second half of the season begins. Opening day saw Howells’ new team open up in sparkling form, winning 40-13 at the Butts Arena and by the half way stage, only Northampton, Exeter and Pirates have beaten the Knights, and they are the other sides in the top four. Teams lower in the league have been put away, not always with the style evident at Coventry, but even off form the Knights have had enough about them to take the spoils.
Howells wants much more as the business end of the season begins. The addition of Tongan lock Lisiate Fa’aoso to the squad this week will power up the pack and with Justin Bishop and Cerith Rees at full fitness once again, there is plenty talent available in the backs to take advantage of the possession the pack can obtain. Fa’aoso will be at the match on Saturday but will not be in the match squad as he recovers from the effects of flying around the globe.
Coventry arrive on the back of a six game losing sequence, an injury list of some length, and heavy odds against at the bookies. They will be hoping the Knights are in generous mood but the only presents they should pick up will be at the Santa’s Grotto at Castle Park for match day. This is the Knights’ supporters’ pre Xmas fixture, with 440 booked in for a seasonal lunch and plenty good cheer which should carry over onto the terraces and make for a lively afternoon!
Howells elects to make four changes to the starting line up. Wes Davies is recalled at full back to add more attacking options to the back line, which will be led by Cerith Rees. Rees last started in the opening game at Coventry but broke a hand and withdrew at half time. Howells is keen for him to now get game time but has Mark Woodrow backing up on the bench. In the pack, Toma Toke gets a first start after three appearances off the bench when he impressed each time. He partners countryman and mentor Ngalu Tau at prop. In the back row, Scott Gray has impressed with his attitude in training since being dropped two weeks back, meaning that Chris Planchant reverts to bench duty where Justin Bishop will also be itching for a return to action after four weeks out following minor knee surgery.
Kick off at Castle Park is at 2.00pm. Given the internal demands of 440 for lunch, the outside Hesley bar and kitchen will be operational throughout the day and spectators are advised to use the facility as only the Lansdown room will be available before the game for the general public. The whole of Castle Park will be open to all after the game.
View our podcast section for the thoughts of Lynn Howells and Cerith Rees ahead of the match.
Knights: W Davies, P Bailey, B Hunt, S Davey, D Van Vuuren, C Rees, B Jones, T Toke, S Boden, N Tau, B Griffiths, G Kenworthy, S Gray, S Grainger, G Wilson.
Bench: T Davies, R List, J Rawson, C Planchant, D Storey, M Woodrow, J Bishop.
Referee: A Hartwell (RFU)
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