Two weeks into the season and things have started slowly for the Exiles this season. Two defeats on the road to Caldy and at home to Nottingham. However, with 12 new signings to the squad this summer, things were always going to take time to bed in for London Scottish.
Catching up with Head Coach Joe Gray and new signing, fly half Fraser Honey this, they focussed on the fixes and the positives ahead of a massive trip to Cambridge.
Joe Gray noted “we had 11 entries to Nottingham’s 22 on Friday night and only came away with one try, that’s a massive area of focus for us this week.” This coupled with 5 entries to Caldy’s 22 the week prior, and the focus in the camp this week has been on converting those chances and turning pressure into points.
There is no doubt that London Scottish are providing plenty of endeavour with the ball, 144 carries and 278 attacking ruck clearouts, leading the league in both stats. Combining this with a clinical edge should see a major upturn in performance and outcome for the Scots this weekend.
Fraser Honey spoke of the welcoming environment he’s come into this season, travelling up from his home in the South West every week he’s slotted in quickly. “The boys have been great and I’m loving learning from Joe, Bryan and Pierre.’
Looking around the squad there have been plenty of bright spots to focus on for the Exiles, Bailey Ransom boasts a 100% tackle rate from this two appearances so far, showing his excellent consistency in the defensive part of the game.
Marijn Huis continues to bring the work rate as he contributed 34 attacking ruck clearouts on Friday night, which was the 2nd most across the league. London Scottish also boast the highest number of tackle turnovers in the league at 9, demonstrating their ability to disrupt teams when they don’t have the ball.
Looking ahead to Cambridge they will bring a big threat at the breakdown with 14 jackal turnovers in rounds 1 and 2, which make them league leaders in this regard. They also boast a strong set piece with a near 90% scrum completion rate.
London Scottish will have to keep Cambridge at bay at set piece and breakdown time if they are to come away with a victory on Saturday afternoon.
