Last weekend they produced a vastly improved performance to take a very strong Henley II’s side close at Footes Lane, only to agonisingly lose it late on.

Smart was absent for the Henley clash, but he has watched the footage back and was pleased with what he saw.

He said ‘Last week, we were desperate to produce a performance to be proud of, and I was so pleased that the boys managed that, and we hit all of our targets. Obviously the result was disappointing, as I felt we should have won that game, but hopefully next time in that situation we will close the game out.’

One player who made a real impact last week was new back-row forward James Burger. Coming off the bench he provided real impetus in both attack and defence, he will get the opportunity to start from the off tomorrow and provide vital physicality to the Vikings pack.

Dave Harvey is also back in the Vikings pack, adding experience and size in the second row, where he joins Tom Creed who had a strong game last weekend.

Chris Croft starts his first game this season in the back-row and is joined by Mitch Smith at number 8, who also captains the side in the absence of Matt Lomas who is away this weekend.

Dale Rutledge is back in the starting XV at scrum-half after he got some rest last weekend, coming on as a replacement. The Kiwi is a big heartbeat of the Vikings side and will ensure we play with tempo on Saturday.

Reece de Jersey keeps his hands on the number 10 jersey with the again available Gearoid Lee slotting into fullback.

On the wing Jean-Luc de Garis is in line for his competitive debut for the Vikings. The brother of Pierre de Garis has been involved with the squad for a while, but injuries have so far meant he has not made his competitive debut, but he will get his opportunity this weekend.

Let’s hope we can produce another good performance this weekend, and hopefully come away with the spoils this week.