Ray Smart’s side make the short trip to Portsmouth Seconds, a team that they faced on several occasions during their time in the Hampshire Solent League several years ago.

After last weeks big win over Fareham Heathens, backing that performance up and making improvements in certain areas is high on the agenda for the Vikings.

Portsmouth did not play last weekend as their fixture was one of three that were lost to hard pitches, although they did play several preseason fixtures. It is once again an unknown for the Vikings what they will face on Saturday, even though they enjoyed some close battles with the hosts in previous years, they have not faced off since 2017.

The Vikings have been able to name a very experienced side for the trip, which sees Guernsey Raiders lock Brad Webb make his return from injury. Dan Rice also steps down from the Raiders this week, and he plays at fly-half.

Several of the side that played last weekend are unavailable this week through injury, illness or other commitments, including Michael Smith, Alex Lock, Lucas Barker and Gearoid Lee. The Vikings luckily have strength in depth, which is going to be paramount this season with 22 fixtures.

Phil Le Noury comes into the hooker shirt for the South coast clash, he is another back-row forward who has made the switch forward this season for the Vikings, and offers plenty in both attack and defence. He has worked hard during pre-season on his lineout throwing, which will be put to the test this week.

James Mroch joins him in the front row, with Callum Murdoch stepping in for Michael Smith. Corey Wallis comes onto the bench after being away last weekend. The St Jacques scrum worked well last weekend, and they will want to build on going into this weekends match.

Tom Creed partners up with Webb in the engine room, whilst in the back-row Jacob Smith is recalled to number 8, with his brother Mitchell moving to the blindside flank. Chris Croft, who enjoyed a fine game last weekend continues on the open-side.

Young Jack Webber, the son of former longtime St Jacques player James (also known as Jack) has joined the Vikings from the Academy Colts, and is in line to make his debut from the bench. Interestingly, James played in the last game between Portsmouth and St Jacques in 2017, where we were narrowly beaten.

Taylor Quate was in electric form against Fareham, and was a constant threat for the Vikings. He remains at outside centre this week, but he has a new centre partner. Lucas Barker is unavailable, but last seasons player of the year Tom Veillard steps in to a position he knows well. He played a decent cameo having come on as a replacement last weekend, and gets his chance from the off this week.

Dale Rutledge pairs up with Dan Rice in the half-backs, the experienced no 9 helped keep the Vikings on the front foot against the Heathens, with quick ball from the ruck. He will hope that he can work with the talented Dan Rice on Saturday to unlock the Portsmouth defence.

Matt Lomas moves from fly-half to fullback, the captain enjoyed a good first week, and this week will offer the second playmaker option. On the wings Cameron Le Prevost starts again, with Kieran Creber coming into side. Joe Le Roux moves to the replacements as Smart rotates the side.

Kick-off in Portsmouth is 12.30pm, the Vikings are hoping they can produce another strong showing on the road, before getting the opportunity to play in front of our home support next Saturday.