WHILE Jersey RFC still have their fair share of injury concerns, Myles Landick will be delighted to welcome back fly-half Scott Van Breda for the visit of Bracknell tomorrow – one game ahead of schedule.
The South African, a key cog in the Jersey wheel, has missed the previous two games after suffering a broken finger in the side’s opening-day victory at Tunbridge Wells.
His return enables Dan Barnes to shift back to his preferred spot at inside-centre, while full-back Mark Boarer, who has been sensational in red since his return to Jersey, braces for the visit of his former teammates from Berkshire.
Despite Landick’s refusal to get carried away about his side’s chances this season following back-to-back promotions, the early signs are positive.
Three wins from three, all in comfortable fashion, have come with a number of key names to add back into the fold.
“Scotty’s back a week earlier than expected, which is obviously a really positive boost for us,” said head coach Landick.
“A broken finger is one of those ones where they can take a long time, or they repair quite quickly.
“Since Scott is obviously the ultimate professional, he’s looked after himself well and he finds himself ready to go.
“There are still ten lads injured, which is a lot, but I have to credit all the lads.
“It’s been a massive squad effort so far and we knew that would be the case if we’re to have a positive season.
“I think the home crowd were able to see last week how physical this league is.
“Missed tackles are few and far between and naturally there will be injuries that will stem from that.
“But chances have come to other players and they’ve really grabbed the opportunity and put in some great performances.”
It was somewhat of a baptism of fire for Bracknell to begin the campaign, falling at home 14-57 to high-flying London Welsh, who currently occupy top spot from Jersey on points difference.
But the boys from Berkshire dusted themselves off to pick up a win on the road over Brighton, before suffering a narrow 26-29 loss back at home to Camberley.
They proved a solid outfit at this level last season, with a fifth-place finish, winning 13 of their 22 fixtures and Landick is fully aware of the threat they can pose.
He added: “We must continue to focus on staying structured and patient.
“There have been definite improvements, but that’ll be a point of emphasis for us throughout the season.
“What has really impressed me is how good we have been from the set piece, whether that be stealing line-outs or securing our own, we have been strong.
“Over the course of three games, we have only lost two line-outs, which is huge and certainly helps our attack.
“The message is to keep pressing forward. Bracknell are a side who like to maul and be physical up front, so we need to match that.
“It’s another opportunity to turn out in front of our home crowd. Playing in Jersey is something the guys never take for granted.
“They take great pride in representing the Island and our hope is that more and more people will come up to support if we continue to put in strong performances.”
Action from CoinShares Park is set to get underway from St Peter at 2.15pm.
Jersey RFC [1-15]: George Thomas, Jack Macfarlane, Huw Owen, Nathan Thomas, Cameron Keys, Euan Spencer, Tom Tilstone, George Willmott, Max Harrington, Scott Van Breda, Eryk Swiech, Dan Barnes, Nathan Rogers, Bevan Biggs, Mark Boarer. Replacements: Joe Ridgway, Bryn Edwards, Sam Harvey
