Coventry's Australian 'scout' John Gray will be at their match at Blackheath and he has promised to buy the players' beer if they win.

But chairman Keith Fairbrother and former Coventry clubmate and lifelong friend of Gray's said:

"It won't cost him as much as in the old days. We used to stay out until 5 the next morning, these modern players are heading back home an hour after the match."

Gray switched to Rugby League and emigrated to Australia, but he has always kept in touch with Fairbrother and he was responsible for sending over Aussie youngsters Simon Kerr and Brent Dale last week.

Confidence is high in the Coventry camp after beating London Welsh by a huge margin last weekend and director of rugby Derek Eves said:

"When we play like that it shows everyone what we can do. If we can beat Blackheath and then beat Orrell at home next week we shall be right up among the leaders."

Eves uses the rota system to make four changes. Dave Addleton, Richie Robinson, Andy McAdam and Martin Wallwork will take over from Jason Soden, Mick Curtis, Andy Smallwood and Tony Dawson.