This Saturday London Scottish welcome Nottingham to the Richmond Athletic Ground for the second round of the Championship Cup, kick off 3pm.
Head coach Graham Steadman has made six changes to the starting XV after last week’s victory over Cornish Pirates.
New signing Jonas Mikalcius is handed his first start in a Scottish shirt. Having featured in a training session with Cardiff Blues during pre-season, Mikalcius demonstrated enough quality and fitness to merit the start soon after his arrival.
“He brings a lot of physicality to that back line and I think it’s important that he’s used well throughout the game. He’s going to have a big impact on the Championship this season and I look forward to him getting his first start on Saturday,” said forwards coach Stevie Scott.
Matt Eliet passed his return to play protocol after picking up a head knock last weekend against Pirates and starts at blindside-flanker.
Jordan Brodley, Billy Harding and Kyle Whyte all come in to form a powerful front-row, whilst Alex Toolis starts at lock after returning to full fitness. Charlie Ingall’s inclusion at full back adds experience and pace to the back division.
Elliott Creed moves to outside centre, whilst Luke Hibberd moves to the wing. The changes give them both a chance to start in what is considered their preferred positions.
Ollie Adams comes on to the bench, as we rotate between three good quality hookers. Miles Wakeling joins Adams as a replacement back rower, whilst fly-half Harry Sheppard returns from injury.
Looking ahead to the match Scott said: “There’s been a really good buzz off the back of last weekend’s win. We’ve made a few changes to the team, just to give players opportunities to put their best foot forward.
“There’s been quite a bit of focus on the players coming in and obviously how important it is to continue on from that performance last weekend.”
On Saturday’s opponents Scott said: “They’re a team that has been in the top half of the Championship over the past few years, so they’ll be a tricky opposition.
“They’ll come down off the back of a big win last week against Yorkshire Carnegie, so they’ll be confident and obviously try to take us on upfront. It will be a big test for us, and we will see where we are after the game.”
London Scottish Line Up
15. Charlie Ingall
14. Luke Hibberd
13. Elliott Creed
12. Matt Gordon
11. Jonas Mikalcius
10. Dan Barnes
9. Josh Barton
1. Jordan Brodley
2. Billy Harding
3. Kyle Whyte
4. Alex Toolis
5. Luke Frost
6. Matt Eliet
7. Lewis Wynne ©
8. Mark Bright
Replacements
16. Jonny Harris
17. Ollie Adams
18. Phil Cringle
19. Matas Jurevicius
20. Miles Wakeling
21. Charlie Gowling
22. Harry Sheppard
23. Harry Barlow
