Rugby Union News - CASTLE PARK TO HOST ALL BLACK TRIO

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CASTLE PARK TO HOST ALL BLACK TRIO

Doncaster Knights take on their first opposition of the 2008/09 season at Castle Park this Sunday at 2.30 pm. Lynn Howells much changed Knights side, with 21 new signings, take on the might of Guinness Premiership side Worcester Warriors at the Armthorpe road ground.

Clive Griffiths, the man Lynn Howells replaced at Doncaster, will surely be looking to bring a strong side to his old stomping ground. With Worcester able to field current All Blacks this first game at Castle Park looks set to be a showpiece game. Despite the stars on show Doncaster Knights have taken the steps to reduce gate prices to just £5 for adults and £1 to children to provide a value Sunday afternoon for local rugby fans.

Rumoured to in the starting XV for Worcester are All Blacks Rico Gear, Sam Tuitupou and Greg Rawlinson. Full confirmation will be given Friday on the travelling squad but the indications from Worcester is that they intend to unleash their All Black trio on the Knights, making Lynn Howells starting XV a choice that could make or break the game.

Lynn Howells has an experienced group of forwards, augmented by further quality like Michael Cusack and Boumedienne “ Boom” Allam, and a new look back line which has further reduced the age of the squad in line with his plans. Players like Hudson Tonga’Uiha and Ali Warnock will be looking to a good debut in front of the home fans, backed up by the experience of players like Anthony Carter, Donovan Van Vuuren and Wes Davies.

Lynn Howells commented “My intention was to bring down the average age of the squad and create new options in the backs which I believe I have done. I have strengthened my pack and reworked my back line, now its time for the players to let their rugby do the talking”.

“ I have made a conscious decision to start what will be a tough campaign with a tough opening” Howells added “by playing absolutely top class opposition a few weeks before our first league game on the 30th of August against Otley , we can judge where we are squad wise and look to fine tune performances”.