British & Irish Cup: Cornish Pirates ready for tough London Welsh test
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Cornish Pirates boss Ian Davies says London Welsh will be a much tougher test than earlier in the season when they meet in the British & Irish Cup.
The Pirates have beaten Welsh in both their previous meetings this season.
The winners of the match at Old Deer Park will top their pool and guarantee a place in the knockout stages.
"They're a different side than they were before Christmas, lots of their big players are back, Ollie Barkley is back," Davies told BBC Radio Cornwall.
Davies has named a strong side for the game, with Canada internationals Brett Beukeboom and Aaron Carpenter both included, while the experienced Rob Elloway comes in at hooker.
"Our squad is getting stronger and that's making training more competitive and means guys have got to work hard to keep their shirt or get their shirt, which is what you want as a coaching staff," said Davies.
"Very good players are not getting the game time and sometimes it is about combinations and how it best fits the 22-man squad, as opposed to the 15 on the park.
"But we're in a good place at the moment and long may it continue"
