Defence is focus as Bees head to London Welsh
Sep
Birmingham & Solihull travel to London Welsh on Saturday looking for an improvement in their defensive performance, as they search for a first win of their Championship campaign.
"London Welsh away will be a massive challenge for us as a team. They are a side intent on achieving Premiership rugby as soon as possible and have recruited accordingly. I also fully expect them to come out fighting after their result last week” said Bees Director of Rugby Russell Earnshaw. “Put simply, we must hold onto the ball like we did last week in scoring 28 points against Nottingham ,but also defend with the passion and clarity necessary at this level."
Mike Denbee is set to make his Bees debut at blindside flanker, coming in for the injured Rob Connolly, with Greg Sammons starting at hooker. In the backs, Rod Petty and Sam Robinson who impressed in the second half of the Nottingham game are the starting half back pairing. Tom Foden returns at full back, with Ant Elliott switching to wing, whilst Will Lawson comes in at inside centre.
The full team to face London Welsh at The Old Deer Park on Saturday 11th September kick off 3pm is as follows:- 1.Matt Long, 2.Greg Sammons, 3.Leo Halavatau,4.Semisi Taulava, 5.Adrian Griffiths, 6.Mike Denbee, 7.Jack Preece, 8.Mark Hopley, 9.Rod Petty, 10.Sam Robinson, 11.Ant Elliott, 12.Will Lawson, 13.Ben Barkley, 14.Simon Hunt and 15.Tom Foden.
On the Bench:- 16.Ngalu Tau, 17.Mauro Sperandio, 18.Rob Dugard, 19.Ben Gerry, 20.John Brake, 21.George Crook and 22.Ollie Winter.
