USA Eagles scrum-half Robbie Shaw will make his first Greene King IPA Championship start for London Scottish in Saturday’s vital clash against Rotherham Titans at Clifton Lane.
He replaces Jordi Pasqualin in one of four changes to the starting line-up which defeated Plymouth Albion 38-27 last weekend that kept Scottish in the mix for a top four finish.
Tyler Hotson makes way for Paul Spivey in the second row with Pete Homan replacing James Love on the right wing.
Andy Reay returns to the starting XV and will partner Mike Doneghan in midfield with PJ Gidlow dropping to the bench.
Dual registered Harlequins lock Sam Twomey is named as a replacement having recovered from an injury which has kept him out for most of the season.
London Scottish coach James Buckland said: “Jordi has done well recently at nine but we think this game is better suited for Robbie.
“He played last week in a Penguins fixture so we have been keeping his minutes ticking over.
“It’s a massive challenge for him to come in and manage a pack of forwards against a tough Rotherham outfit but we are sure he’s up for it.
“He's got great experience, has been around the block and will be looking to make the USA World Cup squad next year.”
Rotherham Titans were knocked off top spot last week by London Welsh at the Kassam Stadium, losing 47-16.
However Buckland has refused to read too much into that result, saying it’s a reflection of how unpredictable the Greene King IPA Championship is this season.
“Every team can be beaten on their day,” he claimed. “That has been proven in the past fortnight which makes for an incredibly exciting league.
“Every team this year has upped their game and the quality is there to see each week.
“Rotherham have been flying this season but if we are serious about the top four we have got to go there and win.
“They are a team that enjoy counter-attacking so we have to be careful where we put the ball and we have got to make sure we close down space and don’t give them front-foot ball.
“A lot of things go through Socino at 12 and they are a big physical team who can build up a head of steam with their carries.”
London Scottish squad to play Rotherham Titans at Clifton Lane on Saturday, February 15, 2pm kick-off.
15, Jim Thompson; 14, Pete Homan; 13, Mike Doneghan; 12, Andy Reay; 11, Miles Mantella; 10, Dan Newton; 9, Robbie Shaw; 1, Eric Fry; 2, Adam Kwasnicki; 3, Tomas Francis; 4, Paul Spivey; 5, David Lyons; 6, Neil Best; 7, Chevvy Pennycook; 8, Mark Bright (c).
Replacements: 16, Tom Dunn; 17, Mark Irish; 18, Sam Tworney; 19, Matt Everard; 20, Lee Millar; 21, James Love; 22, PJ Gidlow.
