The Pirates have prepared for this crucial fixture during a week when the club accepted the resignation of Head Coach Jim McKay. The popular Australian has left the club by mutual consent after just over three years at the helm during which time he led the Pirates to a memorable EDF National Trophy triumph at Twickenham against the Chiefs.

McKay took over at the Pirates in the autumn of 2004 as Kevin Moseley left the club days after a shock defeat at Sedgley Park. His first league match in charge was at Cross Green on October 23rd 2004 when the Pirates were out-gunned up front eventually succumbing 24-13 to Otley. Of the team he picked that day only Alan Paver, Tim Cowley and Iva Motusaga survive with Wade Kelly expected to line-up for Exeter against his old team.

Jim McKay created a team that are always formidable opponents and now boast one of the strongest packs in the Division, but the lack of a true cutting edge in the backs and the lack of regular five-point wins this season are very much why the Pirates currently sit fifth in the table with Exeter 12 points ahead in second place.

With the Head Coach gone his Assistant, Mark Hewitt, has stepped up to the Number One role for the time being at least. Following last Sunday`s uninspiring win against Newbury Hewitt has kept his word and dispensed with the squad rotation policy favoured by his predecessor and picked his strongest side.

Up front the impressive Scott Hobson continues to partner the redoubtable Heino Senekal at lock with the front row seeing one change at loose head with Alan Paver returning for Peter Cook. In the back row Motusaga and skipper Tim Cowley return for Sam Betty and Matt Evans respectively.

In the backs Ed Fairhurst and Gareth Steenson continue their half-back pairing with Jimmy Moore and Vunga Lilo given the task of policing Josh Drauniniu and Jason Luff on the wings. Steve Winn and Mark Ireland make up the Centre partnership with Adryan Winnan returning at full-back in place of Ollie Thomas. The bench is strong but there are no places for Darren Dawiduik, Sam Betty and Ali Koko.

The Chiefs welcome back captain Richard Baxter for his 250th league appearance for the Chiefs as they look to bounce back from last Saturday`s surprise 14-12 defeat at Bedford Blues, and avenge their 30-23 defeat at Camborne earlier in the season. Following the physicality of that clash some may be pleased to see the Fatialofa brothers separated for the kick-off at least, with Junior partnering Wade Kelly and Mark on the bench.

Exeter will start as favourites for this eagerly awaited clash but after an uncertain start to 2008 both on and off the field the Pirates may just be ready to fire again.

TEAMS 

Cornish Pirates: 15 Adryan Winnan, 14 Vunga Lilo, 13 Mark Ireland, 12 Steve Winn, 11 Jimmy Moore, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Ed Fairhurst, 8 Tim Cowley (capt), 7 Iva Motusaga, 6 Chris Cracknell, 5 Scott Hobson, 4 Heino Senekal, 3 Dan Seal, 2 Rob Elloway, 1 Alan Paver.

Replacements:   Peter Cook, Nathan Kemp, Matt Evans, Bruce Cumming, Paul Devlin, Ollie Thomas, Rhodri McAtee.

Exeter Chiefs:   15 Sean Marsden, 14 Jason Luff, 13 Alaifatu Fatialofa, 12 Wade Kelly, 11 Josh Drauinui, 10 Tony Yapp, 9 Clive Stuart-Smith, 8 Richard Baxter (capt), 7 Andy Miller, 6 Tom Johnson, 5 Lewis Stevenson, 4 Chris Bentley, 3 John Andress, 2 Sam Blythe, 1 Brett Sturgess.

Replacements:   Simon Jenkins, Shane Kingsland, Craig Dunlea, James Hanks, Kevin Barrett, Mark Fatialofa, Chad Slade.

Referee:   Dale Newitt (RFU)

Touch Judges:   Greg Garner & Alan Biggs

Assessor:   Gary Welsh

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