Rugby: Reds’ horses for courses

Following the Reds’ opening win of the season, a 17-15 defeat of Cornish Pirates at St Peter last Saturday, head coach Harvey Biljon has made three alterations to the starting pack, and included Joel Dudley at scrum half.

Australian Nick Haining returns at number eight after completing his concussion protocol, while Martin Garcia-Veiga and Danny Herriot are preferred to Nick Selway and Ben Featherstone in the front row. Selway and Jack Moates are both included in the match-day squad, but Gary Graham and Featherstone are dropped completely.

Discussing the changes, Biljon said: ‘Danny Herriott comes in on form because of the way we turned things around in the scrum last week … the same goes for Martin.

On Moates’ omission, the coach added: ‘It just comes down to a few bits of accuracy. Jack is doing a great job in his running game and his defence, but core skills are crucial and if you miss one or two passes or kicks, selection is that tight that it makes a difference.’

Named at stand-off for the third league game in succession is Brendan Cope, a fellow South African who Biljon says was ‘outstanding defensively and controlled the pitch’ against Pirates last week.

‘Brendan balanced that run and kick game in the first half last week and was integral in that third try as he broke the line so his tactical game is there and he’s prepared to sacrifice himself at the line to get the outside backs playing well.

‘We’re not getting carried away and there are lots of areas for him to work on but at the moment his training ethic and performance warrant him a starting place.

‘We spoke about the conversions he missed and he knows those two points can make a big difference.

‘He overcompensated and kicked for the wind and it didn’t make a difference. He’s going to have to get used to the conditions at St Peter but he is determined. He’s been out there this week – I saw him in the rain and wind on Wednesday kicking to make sure he gets it right.’

‘Aaron is pushing hard though; he was in the office this morning asking what he has to do.’

Included in a Championship match-day squad for the first time, tighthead Garfagnoli hopes to make an impact off the bench.

‘I am happy to be included,’ said the Italian.

‘I came from a lower level of rugby and so I have had to fight, step by step to take my place in the team.

‘I want to give my all for this opportunity because I really believe in playing rugby passionately. This is not a job for me; it’s the way I have grown up so I want to take this chance.

‘I need to express myself … I don’t need to do something impossible, just express myself.’

Jersey (1-15): Nacho Lancuba, Martin Garcia-Veiga, Danny Herriott, Nick Campbell, Pierce Phillips, Alex Rae, James Freeman, Nick Haining, Joel Dudley, Brendan Cope, Ross Adair, Lewis Robling, Tua Otto, Tom Howe, Richard Lane.

Replacements: Sean McCarthy, Nick Selway, Cosmo Garfagnoli, Dave Markham, Charlie Butterworth, Jack Moates, Mark McCrea.

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