DIRECTOR of rugby Budge Pountney insisted Bournemouth would not compromise their attacking principles ahead their first away day at newly-promoted Exmouth tomorrow (2.30pm).

Pountney’s forward thinking style of rugby, which has seen Bournemouth yield maximum points from their two opening home fixtures, drew praise from stalwart Sam Hardcastle after the 45-25 victory over London Irish Wild Geese six days ago.

And new Lions chief Pountney said a change of venue would not signal a different approach from his players as they look to build on their stellar start to the campaign.

Asked whether Bournemouth would implement a different game plan away from Chapel Gate, Pountney told the Daily Echo: “Just because we are away, we must not back away from what we’re trying to do or what we’re good at.

“Once you’re out on the pitch it’s a bit of grass with a couple of posts at either end so it should be no different to playing at home. We want to keep our strong start going and that’s the mentality we’re looking to instil in the group.”

However, Pountney revealed Chris Hughes, George Drake and Tommy Booth were all unavailable for the trip to Devon, but remained philosophical over the early season absences.

“We will be without a few experienced heads this weekend but you never go through a season without making changes and it will be an opportunity for some of the lads we haven’t seen to impress.”

Lions: (from) Pollard, Westcott, Robin-son, Chislett, K Lynch, Hardcastle, Terry, Wilford, Spikings, Fuller, Peart, Hughes, Rees, Hart, Bovett, Heffer, R Lynch, Stevenson, Stewart.

Elsewhere, Swanage & Wareham host a derby date with Wimborne in the Southern Counties South, while Ellingham & Ringwood entertain Eastleigh in London Three South West. Oakmedians take on North Dorset II's in Dorset & Wilts One South.