Ayr head to the Borders tomorrow for their penultimate match of the season knowing they will be up against a ferociously determined Gala who will be going all-out for the league title.
The last time the two sides met, it was a victory for Gala at Millbrae, so it would be tempting to suggest that revenge will be on the minds of the men in pink and black, but Ayr head coach Peter Laverie says the pressure is off his team.
"We'll play our brand of rugby and see what happens. It could be an interesting game. If Gala win, they will have earned the title and you can never argue with a completed league table."
He continues: "On their home turf, the Netherdale men must start as favourites and remember they have already beaten us this season in what was a very physical match at Millbrae. George (Graham, Gala head coach) has his team working hard, so we expect a difficult encounter."
Ayr's team is bolstered by the welcome return of James Eddie, who had been released by Glasgow Warriors. D'arcy Rae is back from Scotland under-20s duty and makes up a powerful yet mobile front row alongside Fergus Scott and Denford Mutamangira.
In the backs, Ross Curle starts at outside centre, meaning Robbie Fergusson again moves to right wing, as he did for last week's heartening win over Glasgow Hawks.
Craig Gossman has recovered from the head knock he sustained playing for the Scotland Club XV a fortnight ago and takes his place on a strong bench.
Team:
15. Grant Anderson (capt.), 14. Robbie Fergusson, 13. Ross Curle, 12. Dean Kelbrick, 11. Kerr Gossman; 10. Finn Russell, 9. Murray McConnell; 1. Denford Mutamangira, 2. Fergus Scott, 3. D'arcy Rae; 4. Callum Templeton, 5. Scott Sutherland; 6. James Eddie, 7. Andrew Dunlop, 8. Peter McCallum.
Replacements:
16. Stuart Fenwick, 17. Gordon Sykes, 18. Graham Fisken, 19. Peter Jericevich, 20. Craig Gossman.
Kick-off 3pm.
Live score updates will be available via Twitter.
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