Sammy Davies Junior No More
Sam Davies will later today become the 711th player to be capped by the Royal Navy Rugby Union when he pairs Mat Tichias in the centre as the Royal Navy take on the Marine Nationale. Following two seasons of impressive displays in the U23 shirt, for both the Navy and the Combined Services, his elevation is not a surprise and became a certainty following the injury to Dale Sleeman.
Though Sam is the only new cap in the backs there is a new look to the forwards with three debutants. Tom Cowley (708) at lock is joined in the backrow by Matt Harvey (709) and Dave Fairbrother (710). All three have featured strongly this season and bring some ballast to the Navy’s pack.
There may be three other new caps depending on replacements. Harry Collins, the Maltese International hooker is covering for Ben Priddey whilst powerful and versatile backrower Toots Vakalutukali will be another looking to make an impact. Finally Kyle Woods is a late replacement for Jack Fleckney. Both Vakalutukali and Woods have been regulars with the Navy Sharks sevens team and will no doubt be looking to exploit space as the game opens up in the later stages.
The full Royal Navy side is as follows: Mason *, Priddey *, Terry *, Cowley, Cormack *, Harvey, Laird *, Fairbrother, Pascoe * ©, Huntley *, Welling *, Tichias *, Davies, Humphrey *, Davies * Reps: Collins, Owen *, Beazley *, Taylor *, Vakalutukali, Cooper *, Stephens *, Woods
Images by Alligin Photography / © Geraint Ashton Jones