Cornish Pirates v Doncaster Knights: Griffiths expected to make changes for B&I Cup clash

David McIlwaine, pictured in action during his previous spell with Knights.

The Irishman, who re-joined the club last month, can play in several positions in the backs but is likely to play at full-back in the continued absence of the injured Paul Jarvis.

It will be the club’s second away game against their one-time bogey team in three weeks and director of rugby Clive Griffiths is hoping to repeat last month’s Championship win.

The Doncaster side is expected to show changes to the one which beat London Scottish in the capital last weekend, but the Welshman promises those supporters making the long trip down to Cornwall that Knights will be fielding a strong team.

“It would mean a lot to get to the final again and make amends for our defeat last season,” he said.

“It was a landmark occasion for the club but we weren’t at our best on the day and unfortunately it was a no-contest really, especially in the first half.

“Another factor to take into contention is that if we lose on Sunday then we’d have a blank weekend prior to entertaining Bristol on Easter Sunday – a game we’ve got to win if we are to entertain any sort of hope of pipping them for top spot.

“I’d much prefer us to be playing Leinster, if that is how the draw pans out, in the semi-final next week.

“I want us to be playing games every weekend between now and the end of the season to keep us battle-hardened, even though we may pick up a couple of injuries.”