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Aaron Hinkley to make first Championship start of the season

By Paul Smith
Northampton Saints Aaron Hinkley looks on during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on January 28, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images)

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).

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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.

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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.

Aaron Hinkley
Aaron Hinkley in pre-season action against Moseley (credit – John Coles)

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.

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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.

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“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

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