London Scottish all set for Championship encounter against Newcastle Falcons.
Following a 50-7 win last time out against Yorkshire Carnegie, the Exiles will be looking to continue their winning ways at home against Newcastle Falcons tomorrow, kick off 3pm.
The last time the Scots beat the Falcons at home was in February 1999 at Twickenham Stoop, when both teams were in the Premiership. That day the now President Paul Burnell started at tight head prop, whilst George Graham started at loose head for the opposition. The kicker for Falcons that day was a teenage Jonny Wilkinson. The final score 27-17.
Head coach Graham Steadman has made two changes to last week’s line up, with Luke Frost coming in for the injured Alex Toolis in the second row and Mark Bright making a return at number 8.
Hugh Tizard earns himself a call up to Harlequins for their match against Saracens, so Shek Sheriff will look to earn his first cap off the bench for Scottish.
Phil Cringle, Billy Harding, Miles Wakeling, Charlie Gowling and Matt Gordon all return to the bench.
On training this week Steadman said: “With it being an eight day turn-around from last week’s fixture, which was a pleasing performance, we’ve put a lot of focus on our defensive detail.
“Tuesday was mainly defence orientated and Thursday we focused in detail on our attack.
“For us to get the result against a quality outfit like the Falcons this weekend everyone has to turn up with their A game. We can’t have anyone being off colour. If that’s the case they’ll exploit that weakness.
“We will only be as strong as the weakest link in our defensive chain, so I’m looking for everyone to step up and the contribution off the bench will be massively important.”
Looking at the opposition Steadman said: “They’re a very well drilled team. I’ve had the good fortune of working with the likes of Dean Richards, who runs a very tight ship.
“They will have a settled back line with the addition of some quality players with that x-factor like, Sinoti Sinoti who will be on the left wing if selected. He poses a real threat if you give him time and space.
“They have the experience of Toby Flood who will dictate proceedings at first and second receiver.
“The big key for us is to get line speed and, as a defensive unit, stay connected and win those one on one personal battles.”
To view the match day programme click HERE.
STARTING XV:
15. Luke Hibberd
14. Rob Stevenson
13. Elliott Creed
12. Dan Barnes
11. Jonas Mikalcius
10. Harry Sheppard
9. Josh Barton
1. Jonny Harris
2. James Malcolm
3. Kyle Whyte
4. Luke Frost
5. Matas Jurevicius
6. Matt Eliet
7. Lewis Wynne ©
8. Mark Bright
Replacements
16. Jordan Brodley
17. Billy Harding
18. Phil Cringle
19. Shek Sheriff
20. Miles Wakeling
21. Charlie Gowling
22. Matt Gordon
23. Harry Barlow
