Worcester Warriors head coach Matt Everard has made two changes to his starting lineup for the Champ Rugby playoff semifinal against undefeated Ealing Trailfinders.
The match takes place at Trailfinders Sports Ground on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 4 p. m.
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Forward Pack Adjustments
Tighthead prop Fraser Balmain joins the front row alongside Billy Keast and Austin Wallis.
Hugh Bokenham steps into the number eight position after coming off the bench in the previous match.
The changes follow a 35-29 quarterfinal victory over Chinnor at Sixways last weekend.
In that match, Billy Twelvetrees kicked all conversions while fly-half Will Reed remained on the field.
Facing an Unbeaten Opponent
Ealing finished 30 points clear at the top of the table after winning all 26 league matches this season.
Everard acknowledged the challenge, stating that Ealing's unbeaten record makes them clear favourites.
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He praised his team's response to four consecutive defeats at the end of the regular season, which they overcame by scoring five tries against Chinnor.
The Warriors suffered two narrow league defeats to Ealing this season, missing a potential match-winning penalty in a one-point January loss and conceding a late rally in a 34-28 defeat earlier this month.
Everard emphasized that the squad is focused on refining execution rather than discussing external expectations.
He described the semifinal as different from a regular game, noting the increased intensity both teams will face.
The winner advances to the playoff final on May 31 against either Bedford or Coventry, who play their semifinal on Friday.
The backline remains unchanged, with Twelvetrees and Siva Naulago in the centers, and Josh Bassett, Jake Garside, and Louis Brown completing the starting fifteen.
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Finn Haynes, Come Joussain, Livai Natave, Tim Hoyt, Thabo Ndimande, Will Lane, Tiff Eden, and Rory Taylor are on the substitutes bench.
