London Scottish go in search of their first Greene King IPA Championship away win of 2014 tomorrow when they head north to face a Moseley side which has yet to lose at home this year.
James Buckland’s side ran in five tries during a 38-17 win over Moseley at the Athletic Ground last November to make it a St Andrew’s Day to remember.
However Buckland expects a much sterner test, especially up front, having dominated the Moseley pack last time out.
“I think they are a team which has definitely got better as the season has gone on,” London Scottish’s Head Coach said this week.
“Their set-piece has really improved so it is going to be a difficult afternoon for us.
“We are at a stage of the season where the grounds get a little bit harder and going away to Moseley more than most teams, you need to do the hard yards first.
“That’s the message we have given the boys this week.
“Moseley are a tenacious team who stay in it for 80 minutes.
“If you are lucky enough to get ahead in the game they do have the capability to come back.”
He added: “The boys love playing at home and the home form has definitely been key for us this year.
“But it’s important we now get our away form back on track.”
London Scottish have made two changes to the side which beat Ealing Trailfinders a fortnight ago.
Fly-half Dan Newton returns to the starting XV alongside second-rower Dave Lyons who comes in for Sam Twomey who picked up a knee injury against Ealing.
Buckland knows victory is vital to keep the pressure on the top four but he also wants to put a top five finish out of reach of the clubs below Scottish sooner rather than later.
He said: “If we win all our games it will give us a chance of the top four although we are mindful of clubs behind us.
“We have still got five games to go and we have a really tough run-in.
“It’s coming down to the wire but we can only concentrate on what’s in front of us and Billesley Common on Saturday is a difficult place to go.”
Listen to James Buckland's full audio preview here.
London Scottish side to play Moseley on Saturday, March 22 at Billesley Common, 3pm kick-off.
15, Jim Thompson; 14, James Love; 13, Mike Doneghan; 12, PJ Gidlow; 11, Miles Mantella; 10, Dan Newton; 9, Jordi Pasqualin; 1, Nick Mayhew; 2, Adam Kwasnicki; 3, Tom Francis; 4, Tyler Hotson; 5, David Lyons; 6, Neil Best; 7, Matt Everard; 8, Mark Bright (c).
Replacements:17, Tedd Stagg; 17, George Hunter; 18, Lewis Thiede; 19, Paul Spivey; 20, Ben Pattenden; 21, Andy Reay; 22, Dante Mama.
