Doncaster Knights v Cornish Pirates - Steve Boden confident of further improvement

The South Yorkshire club have won all three of their opening league games but the visit of Cornish Pirates will be their sternest test yet.

Cornish stunned favourites Saracens on the opening weekend, beating the relegated Premiership giants, and have not lost against Doncaster since 2016.

“I am pleased with the character shown by this young team to close out victories against quality opponents,” said Boden, after narrow wins over Ampthill, Coventry and Hartpury.

“That said, I believe that there is more still to come from this Knights side and that we have seen improvement each week since the opening game at Ampthill.

“You don’t need me to tell you about the quality of Saturday’s opponents as it has been obvious by their results.

“The victory over Saracens rightly earned Cornish plenty of plaudits and has been positive for the perception of the league.

“But those close to the Championship – and who know just how hard it is to go to the Mennaye – were perhaps less surprised by the win than people watching the division for the first time.

“The stage is now set for Saturday afternoon to be a real showcase of Championship rugby.”

Boden makes just one change to his starting XV from the side that beat Hartpury 32-21, Gaz Denman switching places with Joe Jones at tighthead.

On the bench, George Roberts, Will Britton and James Mitchell are recalled.

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