London Scottish head coach James Buckland has shuffled his pack ahead of this Sunday’s lunchtime encounter with local rivals Ealing Trailfinders at Richmond Athletic Ground, 12.30pm kick-off.
In all, he makes six changes to the line-up which started against Leeds Carnegie last weekend.
Lee Millar, Jordi Pasqualin and PJ Gidlow return to the back division with forwards Nick Mayhew, Tyler Hotson and Matt Everard also earning starts.
Dual-registered Harlequins scrum-half Sam Stuart returns to the squad alongside fellow Quin Joe Trayfoot, whilst prop Jamie Kilbane takes his place on the bench following a loan spell at Blackheath.
London Scottish have defeated Trailfinders twice so far this season and a hat-trick of victories will be the perfect tonic following two consecutive defeats on the road.
Buckland said: “We have got a few battered bodies but the guys are really positive and full of energy and really want to put on a performance against Ealing at the weekend.
“It’s March now and the sun’s coming out so I’m hoping we play some attractive rugby.
“Ealing have done things we have been incapable of this season, such as going to Nottingham and winning, so we give them the upmost respect.
“We have already played them twice this year and the scoreline has probably flattered us on both occasions.
“They have got some really good players and are a tough, physical outfit.”
On recalls for two key decision-makers, Millar at ten and Tyler Hotson in the second row, Buckland said: “Lee has been looking for an opportunity, the same as Tyler Hotson.
“They are in two pivotal positions and we have asked them to take ownership of the team.
“Tyler will be leading the line-out and Lee will be our on-pitch decision maker.
“There is a bit of pressure on them to get the job done and that’s what we need at this stage of the season.”
Scottish are currently eight points behind fourth-placed Rotherham Titans with six matches remaining before the end of season play-offs.
Buckland knows his side can ill-afford any more slip-ups if they are to force their way back into play-off contention.
He added: “Things could still happen for us in terms of the top four although it’s out of our hands.
“That’s what we are striving to achieve and we certainly have not given up on the cause.
“We just have to work extremely hard in every game and keep on winning.”
– Listen to James Buckland's audio preview here.
– Listen to Miles Mantella's radio interview here
All London Scottish members can bring a friend for a fiver to the game and with England taking on Wales at 3pm; we are offering those heading to Twickenham, £10 entry (Clan standing ticket) when you present your Six Nations ticket at the gate.
Buses to Twickenham Stadium leave from just outside the ground.
If you book online in advance, click here, all supporters can get in for just £10 (Clan standing tickets) – the best value ticket in the Championship.
London Scottish squad to play Ealing Trailfinders on Sunday, March 9, 12.30pm kick-off, at Richmond Athletic Ground.
15, Jim Thompson; 14, James Love; 13, Mike Doneghan; 12, PJ Gidlow; 11, Miles Mantella; 10, Lee Millar; 9, Jordi Pasqualin; 1, Nick Mayhew; 2, Adam Kwasnicki; 3, Tom Francis; 4, Sam Twomey; 5, Tyler Hotson; 6, Neil Best; 7, Matt Everard; 8, Mark Bright (c).
Replacements: 16, Ted Stagg; 17, Jamie Kilbane; 18, Lewis Thiede; 19, David Lyons; 20, Joe Trayfoot; 21, Sam Stuart; 22, Dan Newton.
