Match Day Preview: Plymouth Albion v Moseley

Plymouth Albion v Moseley

Green King IPA RFU Championship, Friday 20 September (kick-off 7.45pm)

Plymouth Albion will be keen to add another victory to their 41-27 bonus point win against Jersey in the opening Big Rugby Weekend last Sunday, as they take on Moseley at Brickfields.

Head coach James Shanahan has made seven changes to the starting line-up. Heath Stevens and club captain Ruairi Cushion replace Pale Nonu and Paul Rowley at centre and scrum half respectively. Stevens and Cushion both made a significant impact coming off the bench last weekend.

Ben Woods will make his debut on the wing in place of the injured Lewis Warner.

On-field captain, Rhys Oakley moves into the second row and Sam Matavesi will start in the back row.

Sean-Michael Stephen switches to number 8 and Gareth Evans, moves up from the replacements bench to start as hooker.

Moseley lost their opening fixture to Rotherham but are likely to prove dangerous opponents.

Shanahan told the club's website: “I have watched the video of Moseley’s game against Rotherham and although they were beaten they gave a very good account of themselves.

“Moseley showed a lot of character and they showed they can score from anywhere on the field. They will present us with a different style of rugby compared to Jersey and i know we will be tested out wide.

“We are all really looking forward to out first home match of the season, which should be in front of a good crowd.”
 

Plymouth Albion: 15 Chris Elder, 14 Tom Bowen, 13 Toby Howley-Berridge, 12 Heath Stevens, 11 Ben Woods, 10 Dan Mugford, 9 Ruairi Cushion, 1 Dave Morton, 2 Gareth Evans, 3 Matt Shields, 4 Rhys Oakley capt, 5 Brett Beukeboom, 6 Sam Matavesi, 7 Eoghan Grace, 8 Sean-Michael Stephen

Reps: 16 Davy McGregor, 17 Ben Rogers, 18 Ien Ascroft-Leigh, 19 Rob Langley, 20 James Shanahan, 21 Paul Rowley, 22 Louis Messer

See more at: http://www.plymouthalbion.com