Returning captain MacDonald is a United States international

Leeds Carnegie have made seven changes for Saturday's National League One encounter at Coventry (KO 1500 GMT).

Captain Mike MacDonald starts after missing the past two games due to compassionate leave. He replaces the injured Pete Bucknall.

Rob Rawlinson comes in for Phil Nilsen at hooker with Phil Murphy and Jon Pendlebury pairing up at lock.

Joe Bedford starts at scrum half, Scott Barrow replaces Henry Paul at centre and Leigh Hinton also returns.

Live: BBC Radio Leeds commentary

Leeds have beaten Coventry twice at Headingley already this season, 57-5 in the League in October and 52-0 in the National Trophy only last Sunday.

Murphy told BBC Radio Leeds: "It's been an incredible season so far, but we haven't achieved anything yet.

"We know we still need to improve, but we are doing that.

"The pressure is there on us, but that is good. It gives you the nerves to perform at your best.

BBC Radio Leeds has exclusive full match commentary of the game on 103.9 FM and online at bbc.co.uk/leeds from 1450 GMT.

Coventry: Ben Toft; Kurt Johnson, Oliver Winter, Dovovan Sanders, Thomas Slater; Thomas Hayes, Michael Walls; Ricky Whitehall, Stewart Pearl, Rudolf Brits, Oliver Atkinson, David Lyons, Henno Venter (captain), Benjamin Pons, Gregory Thomas.

Replacements: Christopher Whitehead, Robert Dugard, Samuel Herrington, Darren Clayton, Nathan Jones, Myles Dorrian, Ronald McLean-Dents.

Leeds Carnegie: Leigh Hinton; Lee Blackett, Jonny Hepworth, Scott Barrow, Richard Welding; Alberto Di Bernardo, Joe Bedford; Mike MacDonald (captain), Rob Rawlinson, Tommy McGee, Phil Murphy, Jon Pendlebury, Kearnan Myall, Jacob Rowan, Rhys Oakley.

Replacements: Adam Hopcroft, Vili Ma'asi, Danny Paul, Andy Boyde, Scott Mathie, Henry Paul, Jon Goodridge.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version