Bournemouth Director Of Rugby Will Croker said some important half-time tactical changes paid dividends in their league curtain raiser last Saturday.

The Chapel Gate side ran riot in their opening South West Premier encounter after crossing the whitewash seven times in a 50-0 thumping of new boys Old Pats.
With numerous first-half penalties gifting possession and territory back to the home team, Croker said a shift in focus eventually brought them success.
He said: “In the first half, our unforced error count was too high. “So at half-time, the chat was to cut the penalties out, keep the ball and we would be able to build some shape. “Whereas in the first half, we were struggling to get beyond phase two and three of play which allowed them to defend the way they wanted to defend.”

In the last two seasons, Bournemouth have lost their first league game against a newly-promoted side.

With the South West One East champions first up for Croker’s men, the Director Of Rugby said their whole summer schedule was based around being battle ready.
He added: “For the last couple of seasons, we have struggled against newly-promoted teams so I think it was right in our minds from the first day we came back for training on June 21. “That is why I set up the games like I did in pre-season - it is why we travelled away to Old Reds last week.  We wanted to be battle hardened and we wanted to be ready. We wanted to come here feeling like we were ready for the season, and I think that showed. “But Old Pats are a decent side and are going to turn a few teams over this season - certainly when people come here.  To get 50 points and to not concede any points is a real benefit for us.”