The Channel Islands rugby team will take on the strongest opponents in their short history tomorrow when they host Poland at CoinShares Park in Jersey (3pm).
The fixture marks just the second international for the combined side after last year’s historic 66-28 victory over Sweden at Guernsey’s Footes Lane, but this time the challenge is expected to be significantly greater.
Poland arrive having secured promotion from the Rugby Europe Trophy to the Rugby Europe Championship – the highest tier of European rugby outside the Six Nations – after an impressive campaign in which they scored 263 points and conceded just 45.
The visitors, now ranked 30th in the world, also thrashed Sweden 72-3 earlier this year and will be looking to continue their upward trajectory.
Adding a local storyline to the occasion is the selection of Jersey’s Eryk Swiech, who is set to represent Poland against many players he knows well from the island game.
Despite limited preparation time, the Channel Islands camp is confident it can build on last year’s success.
“We’re all really excited for this one,” co-captain Scott Van Breda said.
“I think we slightly underestimated the timings of this fixture with the end of our respective league seasons and then, of course, the Siam Cup, so both sides only got back into pre-season training about a week ago.
“But jumping straight back in has been great. The Guernsey lads came over last weekend for some training and some team bonding, which was good fun.”
Van Breda will lead the side alongside Guernsey Raiders flanker Dom Rice in the absence of injured Jersey captain Evan Whitson.
The 23-man squad features 12 Jersey RFC players and 11 from Guernsey Raiders, bringing together two clubs that are usually rivals.
Jersey head into the fixture after winning the Regional 1 South Central title, losing just once all season to secure promotion, while Guernsey Raiders have been established National League campaigners for a number of years and bring valuable experience to the combined side.
The Jersey contingent includes a dominant front row of Huw Owen, Jack Macfarlane and Tom Wilson, with Toby Osborne adding power in the second row and Tim Grey providing experience at No.8.
Harry Cochrane returns at scrum-half, while Dan Barnes and Van Breda form a powerful midfield partnership. Aaron Penberthy’s kicking and the prolific scoring of both Van Breda and Macfarlane provide further attacking threats.
Guernsey’s contribution is equally significant.
Rice’s experience is complemented by the physicality of locks Charlie Wilkinson and Josh Poullet, while brothers Matt and Anthony Armstrong offer pace and power out wide. Charlie Simmonds’ speed from full-back gives the side another dangerous attacking option.
“It’s a cool way to bring together the strengths of both the islands and see what we can produce,” Van Breda said.
“We know those guys pretty well now from last year’s fixture, but it was cool to have them back over and spend some more time together as a group.
“Myles put on a brilliant day for us and we ended up spending quality time together off the field afterwards, which has really helped the group bond.”
Channel Islands coach Myles Landick said the squad had made the most of its short preparation.
“We’re really excited about the game ahead,” he said.
“It’s all come together really nicely in the training session we had last weekend, despite us not having had long to prepare.
“We have a really exciting group and they’re buzzing after that session to tackle this game head on.”
Landick expects Poland to provide a stern examination.
“Poland are going to be a tough side, very physical, with lots of confidence in them after their recent promotion into the next tier of international rugby, so we’re going to have to be on it.
“What a challenge we have ahead of us and what a unique experience this is. There are lots of players throughout their careers who don’t get to play international rugby or be involved in a side like the Channel Islands.
“It’s about making the most of the experience and giving it your all.”
Van Breda believes matching Poland physically will be key.
“We know they’re going to have some big boys up front, so we’ll put a good focus on their set-piece.
“We’ll look to nullify those threats and then try to put our own game on them and move them around the park a little bit.
“We’ve got some serious talent amongst the group, the likes of the Armstrongs will be causing havoc out wide and we have a pack more than capable of matching theirs.”
The Channel Islands also have plenty of depth available from the bench, with Guernsey’s Michael Cantle, Martinas Dromantas, Matt Creber and Dale Rutledge joined by Jersey quartet Joe Ridgway, Luke Bowles, Mark Boarer and Dylan Stocks.
More than 2,000 spectators are expected at CoinShares Park as the Channel Islands look to make it two wins from two on the international stage.
