'Fingers crossed' - Champ boss plotting second Prem Cup shock

Coventry boss Alex Rae says his young squad are counting the hours until English champions Northampton visit a nearly sold-out Butts Park Arena for Saturday’s Premiership Rugby Cup third round clash.

With only a few hundred tickets remaining, Cov believe a ground record will be set when pool B’s two unbeaten clubs go head-to-head for the first time since the 2007/8 season.

And according to head coach Rae the referee’s opening whistle can’t arrive soon enough for a Blue-and-White squad which is unbeaten in seven league and cup starts this term.

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“It’s been one of those weeks where you don’t have to say too much,” he said. “In fact training has got in the way of the game a bit as quite a few of our lads can’t wait for Saturday to have a crack at the Premiership champions.

“We’re obviously very respectful of Northampton and having seen some of the teams already announced by Premiership clubs for the games on Friday night we are expecting a very strong Saints team to turn up on Saturday.

“Fingers crossed Saints bring the strongest possible team. They have lots of really good players across the board and their style of rugby regardless of who plays is really impressive.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to show how good we can be not just for Coventry but also to fly the flag for the Championship.”

Rae joked that his team had the ideal situation in which to get ready for Saturday’s forecast rain when the BPA was hit by a cold snap earlier this week.

“The lads had perfect prep on Tuesday when we trained in heavy snow and it was slippy and not very enjoyable,” he said.

“In fairness we’ve had a good run with the weather so far this season but either way we’re prepared for any eventuality and able to adapt. You always have an idea of the style of rugby you want to play then you tailor things accordingly.”

Cov’s boss said his players thoroughly enjoyed their winning Welford Road experience in round two of this competition and that a packed Butts Park will create another thrilling occasion.

“Playing in front of 15,000 at Leicester was a great experience for the boys but playing in front of a packed Butts Park Arena will be something else,” he said.

“When everyone is stood shoulder-to-shoulder with people cramming the sidelines it does feel very close knit. Getting the crowd involved makes it a very tough place for visiting teams to play and it’s up to us to make that happen.”