After a two-week Greene King IPA Championship break as the first two rounds of the British and Irish Cup took place, Championship rugby returns to the Richmond Athletic Ground this weekend.
London Scottish host newcomers Hartpury RFC and will be looking to rekindle some form which has been escaping them in the league.
Only four players remain in the starting line-up from the B&I game against Yorkshire Carnegie last Sunday.
It’s a familiar looking front row for the Scots, Loughborough University alumni Isaac Miller starts at Hooker and is joined by Phil Cringle and Jonny Harris.
Jonathan Mills will captain the side again and is partnered by Tjiuee Uanivi. Kyle Baillie returns on the blindside, Joe Atkinson starts at seven and Matt Eliet will add pace from the base of the scrum.
Experienced scrum half Alex Walker has been withdrawn from the squad as he struggles with a hand injury. Ed Hoadley starts at 9 and partners Jake Sharp who starts at 10.
Ben Mosses and Ross Neal continue to build their relationship and understanding in the centres. Nick Scott continues on the left wing whilst Rob Stevenson starts his first Championship game after two impressive performances in the B&I Cup. Versatile back Charlie Ingall starts at full back.
Dan George, Derrick Appiah and Dino Waldren are the front row replacements, Gregor Gillanders and the returning Danny Kenny will cover the loose forwards. Josh Barton and Fraser Lyle are the back options from the bench.
Dave Morris looked ahead to the next block of fixtures saying, “we now play the teams in and around us in the bottom six, we’ve got a great opportunity and we have to seize that now.”
Morris was also very complimentary of Scottish’s opponents this weekend. “I have a lot of respect for John Barnes and a lot of respect for what Hartpury do. They’ve had a winning culture for a long time and played a significant part in the development of some top players.”
London Scottish
Replacements: 16. Dan George 17. Derrick Appiah 18. Dino Waldren 19. Gregor Gillanders 20. Danny Kenny 21. Josh Barton 22. Fraser Lyle
