London Scottish welcome Neil Best back into their squad for the visit of Cornish Pirates on Saturday, 3pm kick-off.
The Irish international flanker has been out for six weeks through suspension and takes his place on the bench this weekend as the Greene King IPA Championship resumes following a fortnight’s break.
Two points separate Scottish in fifth and sixth placed Pirates as both sides look to close the gap on the top four clubs.
Backs coach Mike Friday says there has been a noticeable increase in tempo at training this week as London Scottish look to recover from last Saturday’s B&I Cup exit and exact revenge on Pirates following a 16-8 defeat at the Mennaye Field in November.
“We are starting to get to that important point of the season where it’s about taking points off teams around you,” he said.
“It’s very crucial we start to do that this week.
“The physicality, desire and work ethic, all the core values of this squad, have been brought out this week.
“We understand how important this game is and we need to be right on the money against a very robust Pirates team.”
He continued: “We need to come out firing.
“They are hugely physical, well organised defensively and difficult to break down.
“Down there we didn’t perform against a very physical Pirates team who put us to the sword.
“We will be up against it unless we are 100 per cent on our game.”
He added: “It’s a great boost to have Neil back in the mix although the back-row has been performing well recently.
“He has been working very hard in the gym with Head of Strength and Conditioning Tim Harper and was desperate to be involved.”
We are doing a special online ticket offer for Saturday's game against Cornish Pirates, with Clan (standing) tickets just £10.
This is by far the best value ticket in the Championship.
Tickets can be bought online here along with Highlander and 1878 tickets.
As always at London Scottish matches, under-16s can get in for free.
– Listen to Mike Friday's full audio preview here
– Listen to scrum-half Robbie Shaw's radio interview here
London Scottish squad to play Cornish Pirates at Richmond Athletic Ground on Saturday, January 25, 3pm kick-off.
15, Jim Thompson, 14, Mike Doneghan, 13, Oli Grove, 12, Andy Reay, 11, Miles Mantella, 10, Dan Newton, 9, Jordi Pasqualin, 1, Eric Fry, 2, Tom Dunn, 3, Tom Francis, 4, Tyler Hotson, 5, Dave Lyons, 6, Ben Russell, 7, Chevvy Pennycook, 8, Mark Bright (c).
Replacements: 16, Adam Kwasnicki, 17, Mark Irish, 18, Paul Spivey, 19, Neil Best, 20, Lee Millar, 21, James Love, 22, PJ Gidlow.
