Aaron Hinkley to make first Championship start of the season

The introduction of all-action flanker Aaron Hinkley is the only change made to Coventry Rugby’s starting line-up for tomorrow’s home game against Bedford Blues (Butts Park Arena, 3pm kick off).

The former Northampton back-rower’s selection sees Fijian powerhouse Senitiki Nayalo move from his usual role at No.8 into the second row where he partners Obinna Nkwocha.

In a further positional switch, former England forward Matt Kvesic moves across the back-row from the openside flank to replace Nayalo at no.8 while Tom Ball completes the back-row on the blindside flank.

Finale TOP 14 – Le drop incroyable de 50 mètres de Cheslin Kolbe

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Finale TOP 14 – Le drop incroyable de 50 mètres de Cheslin Kolbe

Elsewhere in the pack, head coach Alex Rae retains the same starting front row combination with fit-again club captain Jordon Poole named as replacement hooker.

It is a case of as-you-were behind the scrum where Cov retain the back division that began their 19-45 success at the Richmond Athletic Ground last Friday.

This means Liam Richman who kicked 15 points in a perfect six-from-six display from the tee makes his home league debut at fly-half alongside Josh Barton.

Rhys Anstey takes Hinkley’s seat among the replacements where Rae again opts for six forwards.

The Blue-and-Whites’ second personnel change sees recent recruit Charlie Morris given the chance to make a first league start for his new club from the bench where he provides cover for the outside backs.

Looking ahead to a mouth-watering opening home league game which is set to be played in front of a bumper crowd, Rae said his former club will offer a stern test of Cov’s credentials.

“Bedford are a really good team and after making a great start last week they’ll be coming here full of confidence so we’re expecting a tough game,” he said.

“Starting with a good win at Scottish also means we approach this week with confidence – when you send the team out with a game plan and it works it generates that extra bit of belief.

“We have a good squad to choose from with very few injuries and we’ve made one or two changes this week to reflect how we want to play.”

Coventry: Davies; Martin, Morris, Tiueti, Hutler; Richman, Barton; Trinder, Ma’asi, Nairau; Nkwocha, Nayalo; Ball, Hinkley, Kvesic.

Replacements: Poole, Warren, Johnson, Tyas, Anstey, Lane, Morris, Okeke