Ampthill make the short trip up the B530 to face local rivals Bedford Blues under the Friday Night Lights in Round 2 of the Premiership Rugby Cup with both teams looking to build confidence after first round defeats to Premiership opposition – Blues going down 67-14 to Bristol Bears, whilst Ampthill suffered a defeat at home to an impressive young Bath side.
Head Coach Paul Turner makes five changes to the team that faced Bath on Saturday.
The front row is unchanged with James Flynn and James Johnston packing down either side of new signing Luke Thompson at hooker. Turner names a new partnership at lock with Arthur Thomas making his full debut alongside Jake Parkinson. Tino Mapapalangi and Lekima Ravuvu retain the 6 and 8 shirts whilst new signing Charles Ryland starts on the open side this week.
The back division sees two changes – in the half-backs skipper Josh Barton is again paired with Roan Frostwick. Vice-captain Fraser Strachan returns at inside-centre with Tongan Sione Va’enuku outside him. Mason Cullen impressed with his work rate against Bath and starts again on the left wing with Evan Mitchell at full back and Scottish U20 loanee Kerr Johnston making his debut on the right wing.
After training on Wednesday night, Paul Turner said “Playing Blues at Goldington Road is always special – add the Friday Night Lights and magic of a cup fixture and it’ll be a great occasion for both teams. We know a lot about each other – both teams need a win after the weekend. We’ve made a few changes this week and will need to be at our best if the result is to go in our favour.”
Team to play Bedford (A) 7:45pm kick off.
1. James Flynn 2. Luke Thompson 3. James Johnston 4. Arthur Thomas 5. Jake Parkinson
6. Valentino Mapapalangi (vc) 7. Charles Rylands 8. Lekima Ravuvu 9. Roan Frostwick 10. Josh Barton (c)
11. Mason Cullen 12. Fraser Strachan 13. Sione Va’enuku 14. Kerr Johnston15. Evan Mitchell
21. Rory Morgan 22. Byron Sharwood 23. Oran McNulty
