Jersey v Ayr preview

Ayr begin their British and Irish Cup campaign with a trip to the Channel Islands on Saturday.  Whilst it's exciting to be back in the competition after missing out last year, taking on Jersey will be a tough proposition.  Of course, the men in pink and black are more than ready.

"It's a step up for us playing against a fully-professional outfit," says Ayr head coach Peter Laverie.  "Obviously we will have to set out our stall physically right from the beginning of the match, as well as work hard and fast in both defence and attack if we are to do well."

He continues: "These games present a different intensity and physicality and we fully expect a hard match down in Jersey following their excellent win against Nottingham last weekend."

There will be a familiar face amongst the English Championship side in the shape of former Ayr and Glasgow Warriors second row Nick Campbell who joined Jersey this season.

"The players can't wait to meet up with Nick and to make sure he sees plenty of action on the pitch."

The Ayr squad increases to twenty-two for the British and Irish Cup.  Grant Anderson continues to lead in the absence of Calum Forrester and Finn Russell returns at stand-off.  Despite barely being out of his teens, Robbie Fergusson is a B&I Cup veteran and is named at inside centre.

There's a bit of a reshuffle in the forwards, with former Cartha QP captain Graham Williamson partnering Scott Sutherland in the second row, whilst Peter McCallum moves to flanker.

D'arcy Rae and Danny McCluskey join the replacements after taking part in the Scotland under-20s training camp in Edinburgh.  Colin Dunn continues to make a welcome return to rugby and takes his place amongst the substitutes, including experienced hooker Stuart Fenwick and speedy winger Cammy Taylor.

"While the game throws up a difficult contest," muses Laverie, "it's a great opportunity and there's plenty to learn from the experience while enjoying the occasion. We have a good band of supporters flying down so it would be nice to give them something to cheer about."


Team:
15. Grant Anderson (capt), 14. Craig Gossman, 13. Richard Dalgleish, 12. Robbie Fergusson, 11. Kerr Gossman; 10. Finn Russell, 9. Peter Jericevich; 1. Denford Mutamangira, 2. Fergus Scott, 3. George Hunter; 4. Scott Sutherland, 5. Graham Williamson; 6. Peter McCallum, 7. Andrew Dunlop, 8. Callum Templeton.

Replacements:
16. David Young, 17. Stuart Fenwick, 18. D'arcy Rae, 19. Colin Dunn, 20. Murray McConnell, 21. Cammy Taylor, 22. Danny McCluskey.


You can listen to the match live on BBC Radio Jersey and follow the scores on Jersey's Twitter page.

We'd like to wish Gala, Stirling and Edinburgh Accies all the very best in their fixtures too.