The Exiles have made five changes to the starting line up for their Friday night encounter against Cornish Pirates at the Athletic Ground, kick off 7:45pm.
Having suffered a 17-44 defeat at the hands of Hartpury away last week, the Scots will look to secure a win at home before a week away from the rugby field.
Last time Graham Steadman’s men faced Cornish Pirates was at home in the first match of the season in the Cup. The Scots came away with a tight 24-20 victory on the day.
This week Steadman has made two changes to the front row, with Jordan Brodley starting at loose-head prop having had to drop to the bench last week through illness, and Phil Cringle coming in for Kyle Whyte at tight-head prop.
In the backs, Josh Barton takes over scrum-half duties from Charlie Gowling, who drops to the bench, Bobby Beattie comes in for Elliott Creed at outside centre and Joe Luca Smith makes his first start at full back this season taking over from Charlie Ingall, having come off the bench against Yorkshire Carnegie and Hartpury last weekend.
The replacements bench sees the return of Hugh Tizard and Jonas Mikalcius, who will be joined by Billy Harding, Jonny Harris, Kyle Whyte, James Tyas, Charlie Gowling and Harry Sheppard.
On Tuesday, in the lead up to this week’s fixture the Scots had a joint units session with the Fijian team. Forwards coach Stevie Scott said: “As coaches we’re always looking to change things up. The opportunity to train alongside Fiji was something that the boys had been looking forward to and it’s something we can learn a lot from.
“It was very insightful for us and the feedback that we got form their coaches was great for the players too. It’s a privilege for us to challenge ourselves against international players.”
Looking ahead to the fixture against Pirates, Scot said: “Regardless of who we’re playing this week, it’s a big match as it’s our final home game this year. You need to win your home games and Pirates will certainly be a big challenge for us.
“Off the back of last week’s performance this match couldn’t have come at a better time for us. I think the response from the players will be massive and we’re really looking forward to it.”
To view this week’s match day programme click HERE.
LINE UP
15. Joe Luca Smith
14. Rob Stevenson
13. Bobby Beattie
12. Matt Gordon
11. Luke Hibberd
10. Will Magie
9. Josh Barton
1. Jordan Brodley
2. James Malcolm
3. Phil Cringle
4. Matas Jurevicius
5. Luke Frost
6. Matt Eliet
7. Lewis Wynne ©
8. Mark Bright
REPLACEMENTS
16. Billy Harding, 17. Jonny Harris, 18. Kyle Whyte, 19. Hugh Tizard, 20. James Tyas, 21. Charlie Glowing, 22. Harry Sheppard, 23. Jonas Mikalcius
