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The race to Aviva Premiership promotion could be all over as early as tomorrow. Bristol now have a 13-point lead on second-place Ealing meaning that if they defeat Nottingham this afternoon and Trailfinders stumble tomorrow, it’s back to the big-time for Bristol. Gastón Cortes has been selected at tighthead prop once again amidst rumors that he will depart for an established Premiership club at the end of the season. For UBC Thunderbirds forward Sam Jeffries is on the blindside flank.
Ealing have done exceptionally well to stay in touch with the overwhelming favorites. While they are well behind now they are equally well ahead of the rest of the pack. Recruitment for next season looks to be in good shape. On Saturday they will head to Castle Park to face Doncaster. The Knights will start Nick Civetta in the second row. Where the Eagles international will be playing his rugby next season is a mystery at the moment but it certainly won’t be with Newcastle with his contract expiring in June.
Justin Blanchet is in the Bedford Blues lineup on his preferred blindside flank to face Hartpury. Will Hooley will settle for a bench spot this week. His international teammate Dino Waldren runs out in the No3 shirt for London Scottish at the Athletic Ground in the match against Rotherham.
Sunday will feature a match at the Mennaye heavily populated by Americas players. Four will feature for Cornish Pirates. Canadian pair Brett Beukeboom and Matt Evans are at lock and wing respectively while Argentines Nicolás de Battista and Nicolás Coronel also suit up. The former captains the side from inside center and the latter provides outside back cover from the bench. Visitors Richmond are yet to confirm their lineup but Eagles cap Ronnie McLean is expected to be opposite de Battista in the midfield.
