FOSROC Super Series Championship 2023 Guide to the Game | Round 14

Friday 3 November: Southern Knights v Heriot’s Rugby

Kicking off the final round in the regular league fixtures we head to the Greenyards where Southern Knights host Heriot’s Rugby in a match that could see them secure that contented 4th spot in the semi-finals, kick-off 7.35pm.

How to watch

This game will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA.

BBC Alba is available on: Freeview / You View 7 (Scotland only), Freesat 109 (UK), Sky 117 (Scotland), Sky 169 (rest of UK), Sky Glass 121 (Scotland), Sky Glass 172 (Rest of UK), Virgin Media 120 (Scotland), Virgin Media 161 (rest of UK)

It is also available online on the BBC Alba iPlayer – https://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/bbcalba and BBC Alba YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/bbcalba.

For those who live outside of the UK and Ireland, you can watch this game live on the Scottish Rugby website.

Be There

Secure your spot to see the game in person at the Greenyards this Friday evening. Get your tickets here.

Match Officials

Ref: Ruairidh Campbell
AR 1: Rob McDowell
AR 2: David Changleng

Comments from the Coaches:

Alan Tait (Southern Knights) said:

“Despite the disappointment of last week’s match, the group has to react and put in a performance in what could be our last game of the season. There’s a chance for us to make the top 4 but we don’t control our fate now so will be 100% focused on what performance we can deliver against the form team of the Championship.

“It will be two teams trying to play an expansive, attacking style of rugby so it should be a great spectacle and it’s always great playing in front of our home crowd at The Greenyards.”

Ben Cairns (Heriot’s Rugby) said:

“Whilst we would have loved better execution across the board versus Watsonians we dug in really well and came away with a good win. We want to continue that momentum into this weekend and beyond.

“The Knights will be disappointed with their display in their last outing with a semi-final spot in their hands. It is no longer in their own hands, but I am sure they will be doing all they can to get the result and put the pressure back on Stirling Wolves who play the next day.

“The reverse of this fixture is one we probably should have lost, requiring two very late tries to salvage the win. We are in no doubt how dangerous Knights can be and we will have to control large parts of the match if we are to continue our winning streak.”

Team Selections

Saturday 4 November: Watsonians v FOSROC Future XV 

The first of our Saturday double headers takes place at Myreside with the FOSROC Future XV travelling to face Watsonians, kick-off 3pm.

Highlights of this match will be available on the Scottish Rugby website on Monday evening.

Be There

There’s still time to get your tickets for Myresidethis weekend – get your tickets here.

Match Officials

Ref: Jonny Perriam
AR 1: Finlay Brown
AR 2: Willie Anderson

Comments from the Coaches:

Nikki Walker (Watsonians) said:

“The FOSROC Future XV have improved game on game this season and we know they will be just the test we need prior to play off rugby. The FOSROC Future XV really tested us with ball in hand in game one and I expect nothing less this weekend.

“We will need to be very disciplined and accurate with and without the ball in our performance this weekend to ensure we do not only get the win we desire but also take some momentum into next week’s semi-final.”

Scott Forrest (FOSROC Future XV) said:

“We are looking forward to another huge test against another of the top teams in the competition. With a semi final spot already confirmed we’re sure that Watsonians will be looking to build some consistency and form going into their semi final next week and we are expecting a very physical encounter.

“We showed some real improvements against the Bulls last weekend and will be looking to build on these again. With only two fixtures remaining for the Futures this season we are determined to keep building on our recent positive performances.”

Team Selections

Saturday 4 November: Boroughmuir Bears v Stirling Wolves

Stirling Wolves make the journey to the capital this weekend to meet the Boroughmuir Bears in a game which they must win to see them hold firm their 4th place semi-final spot, kick-off 5pm.

How to watch

This game will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the Scottish Rugby website.

Be There

Support your team at Meggetland this weekend  – get your tickets here.

Match Officials

Ref: Rob McDowell
AR 1: Ruairidh Campbell
AR 2: David Changleng

Comments from the Coaches:

Graham Shiel (Boroughmuir Bears) said:

“It has been a disjointed second half of the season for the Bears – the last outing away to Ayrshire Bulls was more pleasing, where we found an ability to stay in the game and return home to Meggetland with something tangible for our efforts. Only a similar level of effort and accuracy will allow us to compete with Stirling Wolves this weekend.

“Wolves have had a strong campaign in 2023 and they are a very experienced squad, so the Bears are looking forward to mixing it with them tomorrow at Meggetland. In our first-round game, it was very competitive. Wolves edging us out late in the game which was a disappointing outcome for us having played well for long periods of the game, but we appreciate that only playing for long periods is not good enough to close out games in the Super Series competition.

“Wolves are in pole position to earn the final playoff position for 2023, so they have a lot to play for. Wolves have proved to be a very competitive group and have some individual threats who have been important to their performances throughout the season. Wolves are comfortable with and without ball and clearly work hard as a squad, so it is a great challenge for the Bears to find a way to be competitive and take opportunities when afforded, which is easier said than done!”

Eddie Pollock (Stirling Wolves) said:

“I was very pleased with our performance against Southern Knights last week where I thought our work rate and physicality on both sides of the ball was excellent.

“We need another strong performance and a win on Saturday to guarantee a semi-final spot, so the stakes can’t be any higher. Bears under Graham Shiel put us under real pressure at Bridgehaugh earlier in the season before we pulled away at the finish to win, so we know we will be in for a real test this week from a home side who are quick to take advantage of any mistakes you make and will want to finish the season on a high. This should be another exciting game for the supporters.”

Team Selections