Ealing Change Four For Saracens clash

Ealing Trailfinders have named their squad for the next round of the Trailfinders Challenge Cup as they head to StoneX Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on Saracens.

The Green and Whites head across London with two wins from two so far, and will be looking for inspiration from the memorable victory over the three-time European Champions at Trailfinders Sports Club in mid January. 

Director of Rugby Ben Ward has made four changes to the starting line-up from the side that beat Doncaster Knights last weekend, with three of those coming up front for the Saracens test.

Will Davis and Alun Walker continue in the front-row with Kyle Whyte returning to start at tighthead, and in the second-row Bobby de Wee is joined by James Cannon who is back for the first time this season. 

Adam Korczyk is restored to a familiar back-row, as he takes his place alongside Kieran Murphy and captain Rayn Smid. 

The back-line has one change in personnel from the triumph at Castle Park. Craig Hampson and Craig Willis will operate as half-backs and look to take advantage any front-foot ball, with Pat Howard and Fraser Strachan in in the midfield. 

In the back-three, Luke Daniels moves to the right wing, Dean Hammond is on the left and David Johnston moves to full-back. 

Shaun Malton, George Davis and Harry Seward provide a front-row alternative on the bench, with experienced duo Shane Buckley and Guy Thompson covering the rest of the pack. 

There are plenty of options for the back-line amongst the replacements, with Jordan Burns, Steven Shingler and Jack Tovey all looking to make an impact when required. 

Director of Rugby Ben Ward is relishing the challenge ahead of his squad against Saracens on Saturday. 

“We’re pleased with where we are at the moment after the first couple of rounds but we have a massive test this weekend which we can’t wait for. 

We’ve spoken a lot about how much respect we have for Saracens and what they have achieved, so it’s another chance for us to test ourselves against some of the best players in the country but this time at their place.”

Ealing Trailfinders team to play Saracens at StoneX Stadium on Saturday 6th February at 1pm in the Trailfinders Challenge Cup:

15 David Johnston 14 Luke Daniels 13 Fraser Strachan 12 Pat Howard 11 Dean Hammond 10 Craig Willis 9 Craig Hampson 1 Will Davis 2 Alun Walker 3 Kyle Whyte 4 Bobby de Wee 5 James Cannon 6 Kieran Murphy 7 Adam Korczyk 8 Rayn Smid (c)  

Replacements: 

16 Shaun Malton 17 George Davis 18 Harry Seward 19 Shane Buckley 20 Guy Thompson 21 Jordan Burns 22 Steven Shingler 23 Jack Tovey