Will Croker has altered the make-up of his Bournemouth side to try and combat the threat of breakdown bullies Exeter University on Saturday (2.30pm kick-off).
Alan Manning moves back to hooker for the South West Premier clash - alongside props Joe Tarrant and Gianluca Firetto up front - meaning The Lions are now effectively playing with two out-and-out sevens in Hamish Renwick and Ben Russell.
Croker’s men have also been given a bit of inside information from former Exeter University player Mike Haines, and Croker says it has proved useful.
Croker said: “This week we face Exeter University - which a bit like last week against Drybrook - are largely unknown to us.
“But we have been able to ascertain that - as you would imagine - they are a young, fit, fast flowing side and are very quick to the breakdown, and they like to move the ball around.
“So we know they are going to be a good side and we know that they are going to be incredibly ambitious and fit.
“We have had a little bit of an inside track about them from Mike Haines who played for them last year and is aware of some of their players which has helped give us a bit of a steer, but in the main we are just preparing ourselves for a very fast and fluid game.”
Fly-half Adam Davies has been rewarded for his good form for the Seconds team with a starting place at ten for the First team - showing the strength in depth of the squad and the fluid pathway between Seconds and Firsts.
But Croker says the visit of fourth placed Exeter - who are just ten points behind leaders Bournemouth - will represent a good yardstick for his men.
Croker added: “The make up of the side has changed slightly in that we have put Mike Davies onto the bench, and brought Joe Tarrant back and moved Alan Manning back to hooker.
“It was just because we wanted to play with a slightly more fluid pack, meaning we are effectively playing with two openside flankers with Hamish Renwick and Ben Russell.
“We have also brought back Adam Davies at fly-half, who has been absolutely sensational for the Seconds over the last couple of weeks - winning man-of-the-match against Ealing in a fantastic win away from home.
“He is so excited to be back in the squad and really looking forward to stamping his authority on the game so I think it is going to be a fantastic match and I really can’t wait to see what the Exeter University guys bring and it will give us a really good idea about where we are at the minute.”