Cornish Pirates v Saracens Pre-Season Friendly Preview

A new 9 on the block

By saracensfan62
August 22 2026

It will be great to have rugby back finally. It feels like it has been far too long. Next Friday, we head to Cornwall for the final pre-season test, facing a Cornish Pirates side that will be highly motivated and driven in front of what could well be a sell out crowd.

The fixture carries extra significance after the Pirates famously defeated Saracens 25–17 in Penzance March 2021 during the covid Championship season. Friday's game is therefore being marketed as the rematch of a fixture that’ll carry that bit of extra weight.

I’m not sure on the kind of team that we will be fielding, but hopefully it’ll feature at least a few of our key new signings (Tomos Williams, George Martin, Barbeary etc) and allow us to gain a glimpse into what they’ve been up to so far during pre season and what we can expect from them as the season goes on.

I anticipate on there being a few key points in this one to watch:

  • Set piece – I expect Sarries will target the set piece using superior Premiership-level physicality at scrum and lineout, although who knows the Pirates do have a very reasonable pack.
  • Breakdown and rucks - Pirates will need quick ball and strong contact work to prevent Saracens controlling territory.
  • Squad depth - the selection is more than likely to include younger/fringe players, this is an important opportunity for them to stake a claim before the competitive season really kicks off.
  • the Mennaye – it could well be a fabulous Friday night atmosphere and will contribute to this being considerably more competitive than the difference between the two leagues suggests.

In short, we can expect a fabulously competitive, entertaining Friday night encounter down in cornwall. It is a bank holiday (good luck to anyone trying to get to Cornwall!) but have fun if you are going to be in attendance and cheer loud. Not going to try and make a team prediction because I will likely be miles off, and I don't know what Venter's approach to this match will be. Feel free to do so in the comments if you wish though. As ever, CoYS!

Bookmark or share this story with:

Cornish Pirates v Saracens Pre-Season Friendly Preview
Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 22/08/2026 09:51
TheSaracens.com
22/08/2026 09:51
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

tigersimon
22/08/2026 11:33
Do you have a Preseason game arranged for Weekend of 12th September (or 19th)? (12th is your Bye week for PRC R2)

The summer tourists aren’t available for PRC R1 & 2 as these are still during the PRB work load regulations ‘Rest’ period.
They can play in friendlies but not competitive games (PRC)! Regulation presumably written before PRC games got tangled up with Preseason.

So Friday might be the only opportunity for Martin before his return to MWWR!!
Also applies to Tomas, JG, Dan, Earl, Calouri.

Sarriebone
22/08/2026 12:04
Quote:
tigersimon
Do you have a Preseason game arranged for Weekend of 12th September (or 19th)? (12th is your Bye week for PRC R2)
The summer tourists aren’t available for PRC R1 & 2 as these are still during the PRB work load regulations ‘Rest’ period.
They can play in friendlies but not competitive games (PRC)! Regulation presumably written before PRC games got tangled up with Preseason.

So Friday might be the only opportunity for Martin before his return to MWWR!!
Also applies to Tomas, JG, Dan, Earl, Calouri.

Yes, playing up at Ampthill on the 12th, then Scarlets on the 18th

saracensfan62
22/08/2026 12:08
tigers simon you know better than me the rules and regs set out for rest periods

We should have a full squad for these games as they are friendlies. We play pirates on the28th, Ampthill on the 6th (I think?) and then Scarlets on the 19th September. smiling smiley

Sarriebone
22/08/2026 13:25
Quote:
saracensfan62
tigers simon you know better than me the rules and regs set out for rest periods
We should have a full squad for these games as they are friendlies. We play pirates on the28th, Ampthill on the 6th (I think?) and then Scarlets on the 19th September. smiling smiley

Ampthill is the 12th, Scarlets the 18th

[www.rugbynetwork.net]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:08:22:13:25:53 by Sarriebone.

saracensfan62
22/08/2026 13:56
thank you sarriebone, im lousy with dates

Sarrov
24/08/2026 09:08
My guess is that we won't see any of the lads involved in the summer internationals until the league season starts.

Potentially a run out for the likes of JMG and AOC alongside some of the younger lads.

I am intrigued to see if Weilbach plays as he is someone I havent seen anything of before.

TommyKentish
24/08/2026 12:23
Thanks for the preview, very glad the season is now in view! Any chance that there will be livestream of this?

MarkCol7
24/08/2026 16:42
Quote:
Sarrov
My guess is that we won't see any of the lads involved in the summer internationals until the league season starts.
Potentially a run out for the likes of JMG and AOC alongside some of the younger lads.

I am intrigued to see if Weilbach plays as he is someone I havent seen anything of before.

I believe the internationals are back in training today

TommyKentish
24/08/2026 18:04
[x.com]

All internationals listed as going to Cornwall. Judging by the size of the squad they may not get minutes!

Sarrov
24/08/2026 18:19
Quote:
TommyKentish
https://x.com/saracens/status/2091922008107839520?s=46
All internationals listed as going to Cornwall. Judging by the size of the squad they may not get minutes!

Looks like every fit senior squad member (except Cinti who is still with Argentina I assume) and a few senior academy lads.

MarkCol7
24/08/2026 18:29
Quote:
Sarrov
Quote:
TommyKentish
https://x.com/saracens/status/2091922008107839520?s=46
All internationals listed as going to Cornwall. Judging by the size of the squad they may not get minutes!

Looks like every fit senior squad member (except Cinti who is still with Argentina I assume) and a few senior academy lads.
Not sure why Christie isn’t on the list, he seemed well on his way to recovery in the pre season videos

tigersimon
24/08/2026 18:44
Difference in participating in Pre-Season Training Camp and a Pre-Season match!

Geoff DC
24/08/2026 21:33
Quote:
TommyKentish
Thanks for the preview, very glad the season is now in view! Any chance that there will be livestream of this?

Should be on Pirates Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CornishPiratesTV

nicsue
24/08/2026 22:14
Quote:
MarkCol7
Quote:
Sarrov
Quote:
TommyKentish
https://x.com/saracens/status/2091922008107839520?s=46
All internationals listed as going to Cornwall. Judging by the size of the squad they may not get minutes!

Looks like every fit senior squad member (except Cinti who is still with Argentina I assume) and a few senior academy lads.
Not sure why Christie isn’t on the list, he seemed well on his way to recovery in the pre season videos

Andy Christie got married not many days ago so likely on honeymoon duties.

TommyKentish
25/08/2026 10:03
Quote:
Geoff DC
Quote:
TommyKentish
Thanks for the preview, very glad the season is now in view! Any chance that there will be livestream of this?

Should be on Pirates Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CornishPiratesTV

Nice one, thanks!

PaulHerox
25/08/2026 10:20
A chance to see us playing against a team wearing what I'd have liked as our home kit.

Jimbo34
25/08/2026 15:12
Interesting to see which of the academy lads have been included not sure if this is due to injury but Fraser Rawlins(centre)seems like an option on the wing and looks like Keylock has the edge over Davidson as the third choice 10. Similarly Hammick is in and not Charlie west. Dehautuer also involved!
Exciting times ahead for our academy

Sarrov
25/08/2026 16:48
Everyone is grouped with players in their position (front row, 9s etc) except Maro (listed first as captain) and Eoghan Clarke. Is Clarke potentially shifting to the back row?

Probably not, most likely just a formatting issue.

ninjafez
26/08/2026 21:46
The Live vid placeholder is now up:

[www.youtube.com]

Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!

Sarriebone
27/08/2026 11:57
https://scontent-man2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.99422-6/788528496_1782749172899162_1068184890444778110_n.png?stp=dst-jpg_tt6&cstp=mx1080x1350&ctp=s1080x1350&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=paZk7z6VsywQ7kNvwHeFTzc&_nc_oc=AdqGpUj-VezkLUi-ZiD7kZYYRoo4EmNTQ11XxkrCyii39Wr08sXsuyUF3GlrKUqAot0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-man2-1.xx&_nc_gid=mcRx8Kxm0HxMFUvl4-bTPA&_nc_ss=7b2a8&oh=00_AQG_BuSpuqIzBfKBXg6UqxmruIvwaKHcLrFw27Hj8uc4Ag&oe=6A960331

saracensfan62
27/08/2026 12:12
Good luck lads, interesting team!

Sarrov
27/08/2026 12:14
A lot to like in that side.

Knight back fit, Max getting some time at 10 may be really helpful for future match day squad balance, Hartley and Hall could be a great combination and good to see J.Bracken with some more time at 15.

TommyKentish
27/08/2026 12:36
Was definitely not expecting Max at 10, what a throw back.

TommyKentish
27/08/2026 12:45
Great to see Knight back after such a long period out.

The Bard
27/08/2026 12:59
Excellent to see Toby back, 18 months since he got injured against Castres

PaulHerox
27/08/2026 15:40
Quote:
Jimbo34
Interesting to see which of the academy lads have been included not sure if this is due to injury but Fraser Rawlins(centre)seems like an option on the wing and looks like Keylock has the edge over Davidson as the third choice 10.

Interesting that neither young "10" feature at all. Is there an age-grade competition somewhere. If not I suspect Malins playing at 10 is more about protecting Farrell rather than advancing Malins "Goode" credentials.

Really like the look of the squad and as has been said the centre combination and double-Bracken looks promising.
For me it'll be interesting to see some of these players for the first time or first in a long time. Nairau at LooseHead and Rawlins on the wing in particular. Good to see Brantingham and the new TightHead Weilbach too.

Great to see Knight back. In terms of the players available are Beaton and Eke still injured. I'd hoped to see both but maybe it's a little early.

Not sure about the Pirates team but given they've put a lot of effort into "The Rematch" branding I'd guess they will be fired up. I also think if our stint in the Championship taught us anything it's that set piece is the area where drop off isn't as significant. The other thing was no TMO and a referee that can't keep up with the game are great levellers. Hopefully not a situation we'll find ourselves with.

Great that its online.

Jimbo34
27/08/2026 18:11
Looks like Keylock might have been injured recent video on instagram shows a heavily strapped right ankle. Luke Davidson playing regularly at Ampthill this season will be better for his development if he isn’t getting much game time this season at Sarries.
Hopefully we see more of Jack Brac

Jimbo34
27/08/2026 18:12
Keylock looks to be injured from the recent instagram video a heavily strapped right ankle.
Hoping to see more of Bracken and Elliot when he’s back at 15!

saracensfan62
28/08/2026 12:42
Shame about Fin Keylock. He looks to be a real talent
J Bracks and Roti an excellent combo on the wing, only thing I think they lack is aerial threat. That's where a Tobias or a Noah come in (yes I know Noah injured but still).

Sarrov
28/08/2026 12:57
There was a video of Noah taking photographs of the team training. Tobias wasnt taking part and was in trainers rather than boots. Looks like he may have a bit of an injury/niggle

TommyKentish
28/08/2026 14:50
Quote:
saracensfan62
Shame about Fin Keylock. He looks to be a real talent
J Bracks and Roti an excellent combo on the wing, only thing I think they lack is aerial threat. That's where a Tobias or a Noah come in (yes I know Noah injured but still).

The way the backs are set up it looks like run first, kick a very distant second.

Sarriebone
28/08/2026 21:12
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQ1bhXTWQAEP-jF?format=jpg&name=large

Stonexjim
28/08/2026 21:14
Hmmm. Didn’t love that I’m afraid.

Some things to like. Thought totoa and Rawlings showed up brilliantly. Thought sione looked really strong in the carry and put a couple of huge hits in defence too. Some industrious moments from nick and olly. Jack bracken- get him everywhere this year!! Start him at prop if need be. Genuinely fantastic performance. When we tried to run it (first 10 mins come to mind) I thought it looked really good.

For me there’s still so much aimless kicking. Of course you can’t run it every time but it still seems to be the first thought in our minds. Faz, Daly, Tom, max, Charlie all put in kicks that just made me wonder why. Not expecting game one perfection but it felt a little too similar to last year.

We shall see what next week brings. Can’t wait to be back!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:08:28:21:17:25 by Stonexjim.

Sarrov
28/08/2026 21:22
Classic disjointed pre-season game, not helped by the greasy conditions.

Some good individual performances and, most importantly, seemingly no injuries.

First time I remember seeing Rawlings play and was very impressed.

#wolfpack1
28/08/2026 21:29
Good evening all. Hope y’all had a good summer.
Good to be back.

Echo points above. Some good performances - thought Hartley and Rawlins played well in first half, Ben Stokes’ Kryptonite Totoa played really well in the second half. A bit scrappy and disjointed which is to be expected.

Like SXJ, I was disappointed that the seemingly pointless kicks remain: kicking turnover ball, kicking after line breaks etc. When we run with the ball we look quite good, and we have some truly rapid backs now. I know it was only the first game so no jumping to conclusions, but I hope the balance is a little better next week.

nicsue
28/08/2026 21:45
Hugh Tizard - hoping that this will be his year. I read that he put on a lot of bulk last season - looked to me like he has put on yet more. Whatever the plan, I hope it works out.

PaulHerox
28/08/2026 22:37
I'd echo the above. Clunky and too much kicking but most importantly just great to see our players playing again.
It was a first run with many subs that broke any chance of continuity as is usual in these games.
No injuries afaik too.

TommyKentish
28/08/2026 22:47
I thought Tizard had slimmed down last season after piling on the bulk when he initially joining us.

Rain and a slightly dodgy pitch (no complaints, not sure how you’d have maintained it during this summer) made it a bit difficult but it was noticeable how Pirates attacking shape was there but we really lacked any.

Echo the above, Rawlins and Bracken very good. Auvaa looks like a handful (here’s hoping he stays out of trouble!), Va’enuku looks like an extremely physical option and Isaacs had a good cameo. I also though James looked lively off the bench, I think he’s a good pick up and adds great depth at 9 for us.

PhilFMP
29/08/2026 14:20
Luke Davidson starting at 10 today for Ampthill. Asa Stewart-Harris is on the bench.

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net