FOSROC Super6 Championship Guide to the Game | Round 3

FOSROC Super6 Championship Guide to the Game | Round 3

The 2022 FOSROC Super6 Championship enters its third round this weekend, so here’s our guide to the games.

Friday 19 August: Stirling Wolves v Southern Knights

After defeats for both teams last weekend, Southern Knights travel for the first time this Championship to take on Stirling Wolves at Bridgehaugh (kick-off 7.45pm).

How to watch

All Friday games will be broadcasted live on free-to-watch channel FreeSports. FreeSports can be found on Sky HD channel 422, Virgin HD 553, TalkTalk 64, BT Vision channel 64, Samsung TV Plus and is also available on the FreeSports Player — www.freesportsplayer.tv. For those who live outside of the UK and Ireland, you can watch these games live on the Scottish Rugby website.

Be There

Get yourself to Bridgehaugh to see Southern Knights’ first away game against Stirling Wolves. Find your tickets here: https://www.citizenticket.co.uk/events/stirling-wo…

Match Officials

Ref – David Sutherland
AR 1 – Michael Todd
AR 2 – Alistair Watt

Comments from the Coaches:

Ben Cairns (Stirling Wolves) said:

“John McKenna, Gregor Christie and Stevie Hamilton are added to the growing injury list after last weekend’s match and Callum Cruickshank misses out through illness. There is however a timely return for both George Arnott and Craig Robertson while Jack Hill is in line to make his debut having finished up his internship in London.”

“In the backs, Keir Singleton from our club XV makes his debut at 9 having come in on emergency loan. Keir has come all the way through the youth section at the club, he has trained a lot with our Super6 side and deserves this opportunity. The only other change in the starting backline sees Logan Jarvie replace Stevie Hamilton.”

“George Arnott returning to start at 6 is the only change in the pack.”

“Hartpury and Gloucester academy prospect James Lascelles comes onto our bench as emergency cover having been accommodated by Heriots Blues, where he is on loan for the season. County captain Shaun MacDonald is our 3rd and final emergency loan having been involved last week also. Finally, there is a welcome return for County man Craig Robertson who missed the whole of the Sprint Series with a hip injury.”

“We are going through a tough patch not helped by the injuries and unavailability’s. This has made consistency very hard to come by and whilst some of these factors are out with our control, we have spent the week identifying the key areas within our control that will make the biggest difference to our game.”

“After two losses from two matches, the Knights will come to Bridgehaugh desperate to pick up their first win of the season too and will fancy their chances based on our performances to date. They have some seasoned campaigners who have previously been used to winning along with some exciting young talent and whilst they have struggled so far this season we are under no illusions regarding their potential.”

“With both sides struggling for form, the start of the match is going to be crucial. The side who builds momentum and can get on top early will put themselves in a good position to take the win while a poor start could be the final blow to two teams struggling for confidence.”

“Playing under the Friday night lights usually brings the best out of our young squad and with a big, vocal support, we hope we can finally get our Championship season up and running.”

Bruce Ruthven (Southern Knights) said:

“David Colvine retains the fullback jersey with Billy Warra and Aidan Cross hoping to make an impact on this week’s game after a quiet game for both wings last week. Paddy Anderson keeps the thirteen spot and partners returning player Robbie Chalmers in the midfield. Stage 3 player Cammy Scott starts at 10 this week with Douglas Crawford retaining the scrum half jersey.”

“The back row consists of Harry Borthwick, Sam Derrick & Jordan Miller who makes his first start for the Knights. Alan Ferrie stays in the middle row along with Jamie Campbell. Russell Anderson gets the nod at hooker ahead of Fraser Renwick this week and Corey Bowker steps up in place of Shiels who also drops to the bench. Isaac Brace keeps his position at tight head. Eoin Harrison comes in as emergency cover onto the bench who is an exciting prospect from Northumbria University. Hutchison, Pickles, McGhie and Clark are the backs substitutions. We have a 4/4 split on the bench due to current injury levels with the forwards, however the bench is strong and will look to make a big impression when utilised.”

“It’s going to be a good contest on Friday with both teams looking to get off the mark in the Championship which will make the game an even greater challenge for us. The Knights will have to be more accurate this week and take the learnings from the previous two games if we are going to be competitive for the full eighty minutes, however we have prepared well this week and despite a few changes we know that we have a squad capable of winning up at Stirling. Stirling have shown that they have the players to dismantle any defence, are well organised and have a strong work ethic so we’re expecting a really tough and close encounter.”

TEAM SELECTIONS

Saturday 20 August: Ayrshire Bulls v Boroughmuir Bears

Boroughmuir Bears will be looking for a three-win streak as they travel to Millbrae, home of Ayrshire Bulls (kick-off 2pm).

How to watch

All Saturday games will be shown live on the Scottish Rugby website, BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.

Be There

There’s still time to grab your tickets for the Ayrshire Bulls v Boroughmuir Bears clash here: https://www.ayrrugbyclub.co.uk/product/ayrshire-bu…

Match Officials

Ref – Jonny Perriam
AR 1 – Ross Mabon
AR 2 – Calum Worsley

Comments from the Coaches:

Patrick McArthur (Ayrshire Bulls) said:

“We are making two changes to our starting line up with Tim Brown coming into the team for Lewis McNamara who is unavailable and it will be a first start for Richie Simpson who did well off the bench last week. Will Hunt drops to the bench and is joined by Jamie Drummond (in for Alex McGuire) and Ewan Bulger.”

“Not the result we wanted last week but a number of aspects of our game were pleasing, we just need to be more ruthless and take our opportunities. On Saturday we welcome Boroughmuir to Millbrae. They are on a high with 2 wins from 2 and have a number of threats across their line-up. We will need to be at our best both physically and mentally to get a result this weekend.”

Graham Shiel (Boroughmuir Bears) said:

“A familiar routine for Bears as we hit the road for the 3rd week in a row to play away from Meggetland. We are delighted to have had successful outcomes in our previous 2 games away from home, but we also acknowledge that we are a long way off where we would like to be operating and this weekend will test our metal to the full away to Ayrshire Bulls.”

“Squad availability has been particularly tight for the beginning of the season, so even more pleasing to have managed to get back to back wins on the road. We are looking forward to welcoming players back in the next month or so to provide some much needed reinforcement.”

“Ayrshire Bulls at Millbrae is a tough place to visit so as always, Bears will be under pressure from the off and only our very best performance will stand any chance of challenging Ayrshire Bulls this weekend.”

“Bulls are a force to deal with, but as always it is a great challenge for the Bears to travel to Ayr as we look to compete and put ourselves under the spotlight to find ways to improve our performance and try to stress Ayrshire Bulls wherever possible.”

“Nothing changes for the Bears this week but it is about becoming more accurate individually and collectively in our execution of our game. Ayrshire Bulls are a very physical outfit, so Bears need to receive the challenge and match the physicality to give ourselves a chance of staying in the game working as hard as possible for as long as possible.”

“Bears know there is no other way than approaching games with a collective focus of hard work and willingness to improve through the opportunities of playing games and backing one another up when times are tough.”

“Ayrshire Bulls will be keen to get things back on track after a tough away game to Watsonians last week, so we will no doubt feel the impact of that tomorrow.”

TEAM SELECTIONS

Saturday 20 August: Heriot’s v Watsonians 

How will Heriot’s measure up against table leaders Watsonians? Find out when they clash at Goldenacre, kick-off 4.30pm.

How to watch

Watch this game live on the Scottish Rugby website, BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.

Be There

Secure your spot to watch Heriot’s v Watsonians in person by finding tickets online here: https://www.citizenticket.co.uk/events/heriot-s-ru…

Match Officials

Ref – Ian Kenny
AR 1 – Samuel O’Neil
AR 2 – Bob Nevins

Comments from the Coaches:

Fin Gillies (Heriot’s) said:

“This is the first time in as long as I can remember that we have been able to name the same starting forward pack. This is down to the hard work of the players and the excellent medical team we have here at Heriot’s. The only change to the forwards sees the return of Euan McLaren to the bench in place of Struan Cessford. Lewis Govenlock deserves a mention as he will make his 10th appearance for the club since graduating from Heriot’s Blues Men.”

“This consistency is matched in the backline with only one change in the backs. Jake Henry will make his debut for Heriot’s and will start on right wing. Jake looks in excellent form returning from a very impressive Commonwealth Games with Scotland 7s.”

“It feels like a lifetime since we have played a home game and it has made us all really appreciate how special it is to play at Goldenacre on these big occasions. Watsonians are unbeaten in 12 games and look the outstanding team in the competition again. Ferg has managed to build an incredibly balanced and high performing squad who have a winning habit, however we are starting to build some confidence and if we start to capitalise on some of the opportunities that we are creating, we know that we have enough to stop this Watson’s juggernaut.”

“Even this early in the season this feels like a huge opportunity for us to establish ourselves as play-off contenders for the FOSROC Super6 Championship.”

Fergus Pringle (Watsonians) said:

“2 changes in the backs: Jason Baggott returns to start at 10, Lee Millar moves to 12, replacing Connor Eastgate who is unavailable for selection. Rory Brand replaces Murray Scott at 9 having recovered from injury with Murray moving to the bench. Joe Reynolds comes onto the bench.”

“1 change in the forwards: Bobby Bratton replaces Gregor Scougall in the starting pack at Tighthead with Gregor moving to the bench. Cole Lamberton returns from injury to the bench and Jamie Berrisford also returns to the match day squad on the bench.”

“We’re really looking forward to the challenge of going down to Goldenacre to take on Heriot’s. Heriot’s have put in two strong performances in the first two games with their set piece and kick transition game really standing out. Our focus is really on ourselves, we know we have to be very disciplined and focused on our execution. We’re determined to improve on aspects of our game from last week and will need to in order to get a result down at Goldenacre. “

TEAM SELECTIONS

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