Two new signings will make their maiden starts for London Scottish tomorrow as the Exiles head to Jersey looking for the victory which would edge them closer to sealing a play-off spot.
Kiwi centre Kieran Moffat makes his first appearance for Scottish, forming a new partnership with Aussie Matt Hawke in midfield.
Gloucester dual-registered forward Lewis Ludlow, 20, who impressed as a second half replacement in the bonus point win over Moseley last time out, earns a start at open side flanker with Gregor Gillanders also retaining his place in the back-row alongside ever-present skipper Mark Bright.
The only other change for Scottish sees prop Ben Prescott come in for Max Maidment who has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an interior cruciate ligament injury.
London Scottish Director of Rugby, Mike Friday, said: “Lewis made a real impact off the bench against Moseley and he has earned his opportunity for a start.
“If a young man steps up and does well, then age is not an issue at London Scottish.
“Kieran joined the Club just before the transfer deadline and earns a start from the way he has gone about training this week.
“He is a clever player on the ball but also just as clever in defence.
“He has got to settle in and find his feet and is still learning but he’s a good rugby player which has been very obvious in training.”
On the injury to Maidment, Friday added: “It’s terrible luck for Max who has made wonderful strides this season as a tight-head and was playing fantastically well.
“He will be out for some months now and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
London Scottish scored three tries in each half on their way to a 38-17 win over Jersey in the first clash between the sides back in November.
Friday expects a closer encounter this time around with both sides having plenty to play for.
He continued: “Jersey are eight points behind the play-off spots and a win on Saturday can get them closer, so it’s a big game for both teams and one we need to fully prepare for.
“They have a mean defence and don’t give a lot away, especially at home, and will be confident at their own ground.”
Watch Mike Friday’s extended interview with LSTV below.
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London Scottish squad to play Jersey at St Peter on Saturday, March 7, 3pm kick-off.
15, Lee Millar, 14, Matt Williams, 13, Kieran Moffat, 12, Matt Hawke, 11, Miles Mantella, 10, Peter Lydon, 9, Jamie Stevenson, 1, James Hallam, 2, James Stephenson, 3, Ben Prescott, 4, Josh Thomas Brown, 5, James Phillips, 6, Gregor Gillanders, 7, Lewis Ludlow, 8, Mark Bright (c).
Replacements: 16, Mark Lilley, 17, Dave Cherry, 18, Stewart Maguire, 19, Adam Preocanin, 20, Chris Walker, 21, Matt Heeks, 22, Mike Doneghan.
Unavailable due to injury: Chevvy Pennycook, Max Maidment, Ross Doneghan, Todd Gleave, PJ Gidlow and Adam Kwasnicki.
