With regular leader Max Hayman absent with a back complaint on what would have been his 100th appearance, former London Irishman Ben will lead the side out at Old Bath Road for the third-versus-fifth encounter.
And Seb beamed: “Someone’s got to deal with Ben in the side, so it might as well be him!
“He’s been here for a couple of years and is fantastic – he’s a very passionate individual who works incredibly hard and loves both rugby and this place.
“He’s completely bought into what we’re about, adds to it and when he’s on form he’s outstanding.
“He deserves to lead the team out and hopefully we have another good crowd to help send us into the break.”
A storied rivalry continues
Despite a surprise 32-19 reverse at Birmingham Moseley last time out, Blackheath have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign with their only other reverse at home to table-topping Rosslyn Park.
And with three away wins already under their belt, Seb is under no illusions about the task at hand, especially with visiting skipper Billy Harding leading the league try-scoring charts with 12 from hooker.
He said: “We’ve had plenty of good games with Blackheath since coming into National One – a lot of close ones – and we’re looking forward to it.
“They’re looking good despite a lot of changes in the summer, a new coaching team after Shanners (James Shanahan) moved on and plenty of new faces on the playing side.
“They have a very strong maul, so we’ll need to avoid giving them chances to get it going and also work incredibly hard if they do have an opportunity.”
Debut for perfect pro Pete
Rams make four changes to the starting line-up with Rowan Grundy replacing Axel Kalling-Smith at outside centre, the latter on international duty with Sweden.
And with Max’s niggle there is also a brand-new front row – props Paddy Harris and James Baker stepping up from the bench with British Army captain Pete Austin set for his debut.
Also back in the squad is Oli Rhoads, fresh from scoring a hat-trick for the Development XV against Chinnor Under 23s last week.
Director of Rugby Seb continued: “Pete’s been so patient, he’s got a fantastic attitude and he’s also a hilarious bloke. It’s great to get him into the side.
“Oli caught the eye again last week and to be honest he’s been unlucky to miss out recently.
“He hit his stride in pre-season, was in the team and was then a bit unlucky there were some other quality players ahead of him.
“But the challenge is now to nail down his spot and I’ve no doubt he’ll make an impact.”
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