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The Knights’ credentials will be severely tested on Saturday when a strong Pirates side invades Castle Park in what, for them, is a crucial encounter. They lie fifth, a point behind Nottingham, but already seven behind the Knights and if they come away from Doncaster with nothing on Saturday, the gap will widen to the point where a top three finish may be beyond them – something they find hard to contemplate.
The Pirates will look to their so far perfect record away from home, including a win at Sedgley Park last weekend. The fixtures computer has done them no favours in sending them to the far north for a second week running and the Knights will be aware that a high tempo start to the game could catch the travellers cold.
Lynn Howells, with his hand forced by minor injuries to centres Spencer Davey and Brad Hunt – and by Scott Young’s lack of game time after his long lay off – moves Justin Bishop in off the wing to play at outside centre where he did play some years back for London Irish. This should see him with more ball in hand and the move does give the back line a look of real pace. Tom Luke continues at twelve, with former Pirate Wes Davies and Donavan Van Vuuren on the wings.
In the forwards Howells recalls old favourite Simon Bunting in place of Tom Davies, and Sean Tomes starts ahead of Bryn Griffiths in a pack that can be expected to take the forward battle to the Pirates. Five forwards on the bench is another sign of the role the pack is expected to play, to ensure plenty ball for the new back line up to be creative with. New signing Toma Toke has trained with the squad all week and will get his first outing in Knights' colours in the "A" team game at Rotherham on Monday (7.30pm at Clifton Lane).
Kick off at Castle Park is at 2.30pm.
Justin Bishop looks ahead to the match in his podcast available to view by clicking the podcast link on the website front page.
Knights: A Carter, W Davies, J Bishop, T Luke, D Van Vuuren, M Woodrow, B Jones, S Bunting, S Boden, N Tau, S Tomes, G Kenworthy, S Gray, S Grainger, G Wilson.
Bench: J Rawson, T Davies, R List, B Griffiths, C Planchant, D Storey, B Hunt.
Referee: N Williams (RFU)
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