BOURNEMOUTH director of rugby David Dunn is ready to unleash powerhouse forward Tim Collier for the club’s title push.
The 6ft 7in ex-Premiership player, who is on the Chapel Gate coaching team, made his first appearance of the season as an impact substitute in Saturday’s win over Barnstaple.
Having started his career at Harlequins, Collier has also played for Rugby Lions, Bridgend, London Welsh and Worcester Warriors.
And Dunn is confident his experience will prove crucial during the National Three South West promotion race.
Previewing tomorrow’s trip to Old Redcliffians, Dunn told the Daily Echo: “While the grounds are like this and the games are tighter, he is a really good weapon to have in our armoury.
“We can use him to come on, tighten up the game and give us some direction and leadership.”
With 15 wins in 16 league matches, Bournemouth are five points clear of Chinnor at the top of the table, although their rivals have a game in hand.
Lions have named an unchanged XV, with Callum Forrest (knee) ruled out and Ben Stewart replacing Dan Mallard on the bench.
Lions: K Lynch, Searle, Connolly, Chislett, Flynn, Pollard, Hardcastle, Tarrant, Wilford, Manning, Seward, Hughes, Hennings, Dunkerley, Hart. Replacements: Stewart, Collier, R Lynch.
• In South West One East, Swanage & Wareham host Witney. Blandford visit Dorchester in Southern Counties South, while leaders North Dorset entertain Devizes. Elsewhere, Oakmeadians travel to Walcot and Wimborne host Sherborne.
