Jonty Hallett makes his Coventry bow.

Hallett, who played at Plymouth Albion last season, replaces Mark O’Connor after figuring in Wednesday’s Nighthawks win over Rugby Lions as Cov seek to build on their 21-15 victory over Cinderford on the opening day of the season last Saturday.

There are three changes on the bench with centre Jack Green, scrum-half Nick Dangerfield and back row Matt Tibbatts all playing their way into contention in the midweek game at the expense of Heath Stevens, Charlie Mumford and Bruce Thomas.

“These lads have all earned their chance – we have a big squad with competition for places, and it’s what these extra games are for,” said rugby director Phil Maynard.

“Matt Tibbatts played his way in with an outstanding performance, we couldn’t leave him out after that and if anything he’s unlucky not to start.

“Jonty and Jack had solid games and did enough, and Nick brings National League experience with him – Charlie is quite a young lad and it’s time for him to reflect on the last few weeks.”

Cov, who went down 37-32 last season on their first visit to Wharfedale, were given a tough time in the forward exchanges by Cinderford but came through thanks to some excellent defence and by taking their own limited chances.

Added Maynard: “We’ve worked hard on our line-out and scrum this week to put it right. The forwards had a full-on session on Tuesday to iron out a few things.

“We survived without the ball for long spells last week, but we can’t expect to do that every time and we know we have to make sure we have the possession through which to apply pressure.

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