Cornish Pirates coach Gavin Cattle says his team are preparing to face ‘probably the most improved team in the Championship’ when they host Coventry on Saturday (1.30pm).

Coventry sit in third place, four places and 13 points above the Pirates.

Having lost to Coventry 32-19 in the away encounter last October, the Pirates will be keen to gain revenge against a side who are enjoying a fine season.

“The present Coventry side is probably the most improved team in the Championship this season,” said Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Cattle.

“They have been consistent in terms of results, play a good brand of rugby, whilst we know we have to step up our game in certain areas. We will also aim, as always, to at home apply our game on them.” 

He added: “Our recent results should give us confidence, but we know that following the cup games and our match last week, this will be a tougher challenge. 

“It will be important to get our energy levels right, and expecting momentum swings in the game we need to be ready.”

Changes in the Pirates starting XVfrom the one that faced Ampthill last week, sees returns for lock Cory Teague, and for loose-head prop Marlen Walker and wing Tommy Wyatt, who both saw action there as replacements. Lock Steele Barker, who had made his league debut off the bench, will also now make his first league start, whilst fresh faces returning on the bench are those of Ollie Adkins and Joe Elderkin. 

Cornish Pirates: 15 AJ Cant 14 Arthur Relton 13 Rory Parata 12 Garyn Smith 11 Tommy Wyatt 10 Arwel Robson 9 Alex Schwarz; 1 Marlen Walker 2 Will Crane 3 Matt Johnson 4 Steele Barker 5 Cory Teague 6 Alex Everett 7 Will Gibson 8 John Stevens (captain).                                                                                                                        

Replacements: 16 Morgan Nelson 17 Ollie Adkins 18 Harvey Beaton 19 Will Britton 20 Jarrard Hayler 21 Ruaridh Dawson 22 Harry Bazalgette 23 Joe Elderkin.