Forwards coach Tim Payne says London Scottish will have to put in a ‘massive’ 80 minute performance at Sixways Stadium on Friday night if they want to seal their place in the Greene King IPA Championship final.
It’s all to play for after a thrilling first leg at the Athletic Ground won by Worcester Warriors thanks to an injury time penalty try which gave the visitors a slender five point advantage, 27-22, heading into the rematch tomorrow.
Payne says the way Scottish fought back from 17-3 down to lead 22-20 with seconds remaining last weekend has instilled great belief in the squad and he remains optimistic they can cause a huge upset at Sixways in the return leg.
“There is a very positive atmosphere within the camp this week,” the former England and Lions prop said.
“There was some disappointment to concede so late in the first leg but the main thing which has come out of that match is the belief we can compete with what is a top class side.
“The boys, especially the forwards, really fronted-up last weekend.
“We knew it was going to be a tough battle but we took it to them and showed a lot of physicality.
“Moving forward into this week the boys will have to try and front-up again.”
He continued: “Away from home we cannot afford to take our foot off the peddle.
“We need to put in a massive 80 minute performance like in the last hour in the first leg to stand a chance of winning.
“It would mean everything to reach the final and would be a great reward for the squad who have worked so hard over the past 11 months.
“We need a huge effort but we are all relishing the challenge and believe we can cause an upset.”
The Scots make just one change from the first leg, prop Mark Lilley coming in for James Hallam who moves to the bench.
Peter Lydon Interview – Scottish heartbreak to inspire second leg performance, click here.
Mike Doneghan Interview – Winger aims for perfect birthday present, click here.
VIDEO: Four teams but only two can progress. One more day until the play-offs resume #champrugby https://t.co/vBQWj6hfDg
— GK IPA Championship (@Champrugby) May 7, 2015
London Scottish squad to play Worcester Warriors at Sixways Stadium on Friday, May 8, 7.45pm kick-off.
15, Peter Lydon, 14, Matt Williams, 13, Kieran Moffat, 12, PJ Gidlow, 11, Mike Doneghan, 10, Dan Newton, 9, Jamie Stevenson, 1, Mark Lilley, 2, Adam Kwasnicki 3, Ben Prescott, 4, James Phillips, 5, Josh Thomas Brown, 6, Gregor Gillanders, 7, Neil Best, 8, Mark Bright (c).
Replacements: 16, James Hallam, 17, James Stephenson, 18, D'arcy Rae, 19, James Chisholm, 20, Chris Walker, 21, Matt Heeks, 22, Lee Millar.
