After a dramatic 26-22 victory over Doncaster Knights last Friday evening, Richmond visit Hartpury for the first time since they beat the West Country side to secure promotion from National 1 in the 2015-16 campaign.

Both sides have come a long way since that sunny day in May, with Richmond defying the odds to retain Championship status, and Hartpury trouncing the opposition to gain promotion last season.

The sides are separated by just one point and one place in the league right now, while Hartpury have conceded just 18 tries in their eight fixtures, so Saturday afternoon's clash is set to be a tight one.

As a result, Richmond Director of Rugby Steve Hill has opted for consistency, making just one change to his match day squad to take on the meanest defence in the GK IPA Championship, with Jono Woodward returning from injury to take his place in a familiar looking back three alongside Jordan Simpson-Hefft and Rob Kirby.

Centres Ronnie McLean and Cameron Mitchell resume their partnership in midfield, while Luc Jones, who was man of the match against Doncaster, starts in the nine jersey alongside Freddie Gabbitass at ten.

The headline comes in the engine room, where club captain Will Warden wins his 150th appearance for Richmond - a feat only achieved by one other starter in the shape of fellow second row Chris Davies.

Richmond's forward effort in victory over Doncaster was highly praised, and front rowers Jeremy Cunnew, Ross Grimstone and Craig Trenier once again provide the stability and power in a scrum that is sure to be tested against former Richmond player Rupert Harden, who made the move to the West Country this season.

In the back row, Jesse Liston starts at blindside, hoping to cause as much chaos at the breakdown as he did last weekend. Liston is joined by openside Jack Allcock and No 8 Jake Parker.

The replacements have a familiar feel, with versatile backs Rhodri Adamson and James Swan once again on hand to provide cover.

Props Will Goodrick-Clarke and Joe Tarrant, as well as hooker Jason Phipps, provided an accurate set piece in the final quarter last week, and will be confident of coming on to make a key contribution once again.

Second row Max Crawford and flanker Toby Saysell make up the rest of the bench, with Hill citing the importance of this fixture ahead of testing festive period.

"Our ability to believe in each other, stay in the game and then bring pressure to bear in the final quarter was magnificent last week. Hartpury will provide another huge challenge, though, and we know their defence is tough to beat," he said.

"They already look comfortable in the Championship, and not only have they picked up some impressive wins, they have also competed right until the final whistle in every game. This will be a huge test for our boys in what is a key run of games for us."

Richmond: 15 Rob Kirby 14 Jono Woodward 13 Cameron Mitchell 12 Ronnie McLean 11 Jordan Simpson-Hefft 10 Freddie Gabbitass 9 Luc Jones 1 Jeremy Cunnew 2 Ross Grimstone 3 Craig Trenier 4 Will Warden 5 Chris Davies 6 Jesse Liston 7 Jack Allcock 8 Jake Parker 16 Jason Phipps 17 Will Goodrick-Clarke 18 Max Crawford 19 Rhodri Adamson 20 James Swan 21 Toby Saysell 22 Joe Tarrant