Match Preview

A week on from an incredible game at Sandy Park, the boys in green look to continue their unbeaten start in BUCS Super Rugby away against Cardiff.

Heading into the final 10 minutes last week, our brilliant start to the season seemed in jeopardy. Durham was heaping on the pressure, and with the scoreboard so tight the boys could be facing their first home defeat in a year.

However, with the pressure on and thousands watching, the boys thrived. A double from hooker Joe Vajner, both from mauls, secured the win and the unbeaten record.

A key part of that victory was the ever-present Orson James. After making his debut last season as a fresher, he has really proven himself as the starting scrumhalf ahead of some very good competition.

There was perhaps a bit of pressure coming into this year on James. Taking over from Cairns and Armstrong, who have both excelled this year in the Gallagher Premiership and competing with Harlequins Jake Murray. However, he and Murray only pushed each other further.
Starting his first game for the university at Sandy Park was a “great moment” and then being able to “get the win in front of the club and a couple of thousand students was a great feeling”.

Following this “highlight on the calendar” we turn our attention to this week’s game away against Cardiff. It is certainly a tricky away match-up, which we found out last year, with it being the most recent defeat 12 games ago.

Despite the previous games, James and the team are “focusing on nailing our details”, with the simple stuff being the key to not only this game but the way the squad has been able to keep this streak going.

Even with the tough opposition and horrible weather expected, the boys are still “really excited”, with a “win against Cardiff keeping us top of the league”.

TEAM NEWS
With so many games recently, Gareth Elliot has decided to give some players a much-earned rest, meaning those on the bench get the prove their worth from the kick-off this time around.

It all change in the front row as Williams, Vajner, and Owlett all make way, for Chirs Freeman and the Gulley brothers, Louis and Tom. The remainder of the pack remains the same with the man of the match last week, Jack Forsythe retaining his number 7 shirt.

In the backs, Orson James drops to the bench in favour of Jake Murray, who partners Luca Mignot this time. Ribbons’ and McCaig’s centre partnership continues to flourish outside them. After his 1st try last week, Ed Volley starts on the wing with Joseland at fullback, and Kian Gentry makes his full return from injury on the other flank.

The bench is stacked with plenty of experience as Williams, Vajner, and Owlett provide front-row cover, with BUCS champions Cunningham and Kelly as the other forwards. James makes the bench along with Kofi Barton-Byfield who continues his return from an eye injury. Woody Pugh is the other man, still looking for his BICS Super Rugby debut after impressing in National 2 West in recent weeks.