Doncaster Knights must stand up and be counted against Cornish Pirates

Jack Davies, pictured in action during pre-season. Photo: Henry Browne/Getty Images

Both sides have started this season’s shortened Greene King IPA Championship campaign with three wins from three.

Pirates who opened up with a stunning 25-17 win over relegated Saracens, will go into the game at Castle Park as favourites – and have beaten Doncaster in the last eight matches between the sides.

But back row Davies, who has featured from the bench in Knights’ last two wins against Coventry and Hartpury, is optimistic about his side’s chances – if they stand up to the Pirates’ physicality.

"We’re playing well for periods of time but we haven’t had that 80-minute performance that we talk about yet,” Davies told DKTV.

"I think in terms of Friday night [against Hartpury] it got a bit scrappy towards the end of the game.

"We could’ve maybe put the game away a bit quicker and we gifted them a couple of tries.

"The big thing, obviously with Pirates coming down this weekend, is the physicality.

"We weren’t quite there for Coventry in terms of slowing the ball down and winning collisions.

"That will be a big thing we’ll look at this week, knowing Pirates are going to come here with a big pack and try to bully us.

"We’ll be looking to put that right on Saturday.”

He added: "From what we’ve seen they look to offload the ball as well if they can get that dominance with the ball. That’s something we’re definitely going to have to be aware of.

"It’s all set up for a classic – three from three both of us.

"If we can piece some of the things we’ve done together across all three games we’ll be in a good spot to win the game.”

Cardiff-born Davies, 25, joined Knights from Bath Rugby in the summer and is champing at the bit for his first league start in Doncaster colours.

"It’s been an ongoing process, speaking to Bodes and Nathan (Smith – forwards coach) about what I can do to get in the team and start,” he said.

"I’ve been happy with my performances off the bench and if I can keep adding that physicality in training and impacting the game then fingers crossed I get a start.”