‘The next match is the most important match’ is the message from St Jacques head coach Ray Smart, as he seeks to keep his side focussed ahead of the visit of Millbrook on Saturday.

The promotion chasing Vikings have six matches remaining, and securing a positive result each week is almost essential if they want to have any chance of securing the Counties Two Hampshire title. That is why he is keen for the side to only focus on the task at hand, and not look any further ahead.

The visitors to Footes Lane this week nearly secured a memorable victory over the Vikings earlier in the season, after they produced an inspired performance at home in Southampton, and only a late comeback saved the Sarnian side to secure the narrowest one-point victory. Since then they have had mixed fortunes, winning & losing five matches apiece and sit comfortably mid-table in the league. The Vikings are under no illusions though, the visitors this week will be looking avenge that earlier season defeat.

After the disappointment of last week’s postponed clash with Basingstoke, marking the second game in a row to be called off for the Vikings, they are looking forward to returning to the field this weekend.

Several of the squad named last weekend are unavailable including Gearoid Lee, Joe Le Roux, and Will Creber, whilst JP Phelan and Dale Rutledge have been recalled to the Guernsey Raiders side this week. This has forced a reshuffle, but Smart has been able to name a strong squad for the encounter.

Phil Le Noury will play his first game in several months after injury, he was in line to return amongst the replacements last week, but will now start from the off this week at hooker. Tom Creed is in the second row and will be partnered by exciting young lock Keiran Williamson. Jacob Smith moves from the engine room to no 8, and he joins Dan de Kock and his brother Mitchell in the backrow.

At scrum-half Pierre de Garis returns and partners with Tom Veillard, a combination that has worked well this season.

Will Forbes-Lee was man-of-the-match in the last game he played, he gets chance to extend his excellent performances this season in the centres, partnering with Cashel Cahill. He has not been involved much recently but has played nearly 40 games for the club and will bring his experience this week.

Courtney Sargent plays his second game for the club on the wing alongside Kieran Creber, whilst captain Matt Lomas is at fullback.

Amongst the replacements James Mroch, Corey Wallis and Jamie Mahy all return to the side, as the Vikings choose to go with a forwards heavy bench this week.

Speaking ahead of the match, Vikings’ Tom Veillard said the team has had a great week of preparation for this contest:

“We had a great session on Tuesday, we trained really well with great intensity, and again on Thursday running against the Raiders, all went very smoothly."

He added: "This was great preparation for Millbrook, as we know they have big ball carriers up front and some silky backs, but If we can play the way we’ve trained this week and remain calm under pressure, we have a great chance of coming away with the win."

Kick-off is 1pm on the club pitch at Footes Lane, as part of 'The Blue Fixture' double-header day which is raising money for Male Uprising Guernsey. Guernsey Raiders against Westcombe Park will follow over on the Garenne Stand at 3pm.

There will also be live Six Nations action in the clubhouse, and there is also live music at 6.30pm.