Baptism of fire for four Jersey Reds players

Saturday 20 August 2016

Jersey Reds coach Harvey Biljon admits he has thrown four of his players “very much into the deep end” for today’s clash against Premiership stars Worcester Warriors at St Peter (KO 14:30).

The four players who are set to play their first rugby of the new season following injury or suspension are: wing Tua Otto, scrum-half Sami Fisilau and flanker Gary Graham in the starting line-up, and Uili Kolo'ofa'i from the bench - the back-five forward is one of nine replacements named by Biljon.

It will be a tough prospect for the four, as well as Jordan Davies, who is set to make his Jersey debut after joining the Reds from Rotherham Titans over the summer.

Coach Biljon said: “This is going to be a very tough fixture and those four players who have yet to get their boots on are being thrown very much into the deep end. 

“They have all had no rugby yet to date this season and so it is be hard for them, but that is what pre -season is all about, getting ready for the start. It is a fantastic opportunity for them all to stake a claim to be in the match 22 for the first game of the new season next month at Richmond. 

“I want to see the players learning how to respond to problems on the pitch and I’m sure Worcester will present us with plenty of problems.”

The Reds have won their previous two pre-season friendlies over National One sides Coventry (47-5) and Ampthill (35-22). But they were very much the starter before the main course as Worcester are certain to present much sterner opposition. 

The Warriors finished tenth in the Premiership last season and their trip to St Peter will evoke memories of the 2014/15 season, when the sides contested two edge of the seat clashes in the Greene King IPA Championship before Worcester won promotion via the play-offs. Jersey were beaten 32-29 at Sixways but then ended Worcester's 24-match unbeaten run at St Peter with a 23-21 win sealed by Aaron Penberthy's last gasp drop goal.

Coach Biljon said: “Worcester showed last season they can live in the top league and I think they will flourish. They are exceptionally well coached and it is brilliant for us to be able to attract a Premiership side to come to St Peter. That’s great for the players as well as the supporters. 

“Do I think Worcester have enough to stay in the Premiership this season? Without a doubt. I think they are a formidable team which is only getting better and we are under no illusions over what they will bring to St Peter.”

Biljon has shaken up his squad, with just two players from the starting XV against Ampthill last weekend retaining their places - full-back Jack Cuthbert and number 8 Nick Haining.

Club captain Pierce Phillips has been given leave to miss the game in order to travel to his brother's wedding, so flanker James Freeman will skipper the team for the first time.

Coach Biljon said: “I view pre-season games as very much an opportunity for players to try and impress, they are not necessarily about the result. These games are all about preparing for the league and as such I’ve told all the players they will get a chance. That’s why the team has been changed around. It means there is a level playing field for all.” 

The Reds squad to face Worcester is: Jack Cuthbert, George Watkins, Regan King, Jordan Davies, Fautua Otto, Brendan Cope, Sami Fisilau, Marc Thomas, Joe Buckle, Simon Kerrod, Dave McKern, Nick Campbell, James Freeman (capt), Gary Graham, Nick Haining. 

Replacements are: Nick Selway, Jake Woolmore, Marc Tampin, James Voss, Uili Kolo'ofa'i, James Doyle; Kieran Hardy, Sam Katz, George Eastwell, Rich Lane.