Joe Atkinson will make his 50th appearance for the Scots after only two seasons with the club as the 1st XV squad round off their Greene King IPA Championship campaign against Yorkshire Carnegie.
This seasons Players Player or the Year and the Coaches Player of the Season, Atkinson arrived in South West London after three years down in Penzance with the Cornish Pirates. He immediately became adored by the Scottish supporters for his tireless work rate around the field, his big carries and his total abandon for his body in defence. In his first year with Scottish he made 25 appearances in all competitions and scored six tries.
Scottish will be aiming to replicate their opening weekend victory over the Yorkshire outfit where they beat Carnegie 28-12 at the RAG.
Director of Rugby Dave Morris has been forced into a few changes in his starting lineup with a mounting injury list.
The front row has a familiar ring to it with Jonny Harris, Isaac Miller and Ewan McQuillin all named to start. McQuillin will be facing his future teammates tomorrow as it was announced yesterday that he will the club at the end of the season to join Yorkshire Carnegie. Dino Waldren was not available this weekend as he has returned to the US for an operation on an injured shoulder. This will also mark the last game for Isaac Miller before he joins Worcester Warriors next season.
Ed Milne continues in the second row for the third straight game and is partnered by Gregor Gillanders who has recovered from a knee injury. Tjiuee Uanivi was unavailable for selection as he is struggling with concussion.
50 cap man Atkinson is named on the blindside, with Chris Walker on the openside and skipper Danny Kenny at the base of the scrum.
Ed Hoadley is favoured over Alex Walker at scrum half. London Irish loanee Jacob Atkins is named at fly half with Richmond match winner Jake Sharp unavailable as he awaits the birth of his first child.
Ben Mosses is also ruled out with injury so is replaced by a returning Fraser Lyle. Lyle will join Ross Neal in the centres.
Fresh after signing a contract extension, Rob Stevenson starts on the wing along with Matt Williams. This season’s top try scorer Craig Holland starts at full back. Joe Luca Smith has a knee injury and Charlie Ingall has been ruled out with a shoulder problem.
There is a return on the replacements bench for Connor Hayhow who has been impressing on loan at Henley Hawks in National Two. The young winger/centre has been in scintillating form and is rewarded with a spot on the bench.
London Scottish: 1. Jonny Harris 2. Isaac Miller 3. Ewan McQuillin 4. Ed Milne 5. Gregor Gillanders 6. Joe Atkinson 7. Chris Walker 8. Danny Kenny ©; 9. Ed Hoadley 10. Jacob Atkins 11. Matt Williams 12. Fraser Lyle 13. Ross Neal 14. Rob Stevenson 15. Craig Holland
Replacements: 16. Dan George 17. Ben Onyeama-Christie 18. Phil Cringle 19. Matt Eliet 20. Matt Marley 21. Alex Walker 22. Connor Hayhow
