The Jersey Rugby Association team face their Sarnian counterparts at Grainville with a positive record to maintain – having lost just twice in the last eight years – and with seven Jersey Athletic players also included coach Landick has understandably outlined strong hopes of success.
However, he is aware of the dangers, with many of Guernsey’s players getting regular game-time together under the guise of St Jacques Vikings in Sussex Division II.
‘There is a stipulation that we couldn’t pick any players who have played three or more games for Athletic, so it has been quite difficult picking the squad,’ said Landick. ‘And our players don’t have the advantage of playing together in the UK leagues.
‘But I’ve worked with most of the lads in the squad before and they have been picking things up quite quickly.
‘It will be a tough game and we want to win it. We went to Guernsey last year with young talent and it went well. We’ll be looking to do the same this time.’
Landick added: ‘For the Royals players this is their Siam Cup. Some might feature in the Fallaise but it’s still Jersey v Guernsey and it still means a great deal. The boys will be passionate about it because no-one likes losing to Guernsey.’
Jersey won by 15 points at Foote’s Lane 12 months ago, following a 12-5 loss in 2016.
Guernsey’s squad is due to be finalised today, following selection for promotion-chasing Guernsey Raiders’ crucial league match tomorrow.
JRA inter-insular squad (1-15): Richard Vetier, Ben Church, Guy Holvey-Clark, Paul Rowe, Harry Bannister, Dom Mayo (capt), Nathan Thomas, Harrison Berresford, Daniel Pozzo, Mark Boarer, Harry Mitchell, Martin Perkins, Brian Foreman, Tom Coutanche, Warwick Palmer. Replacements: Cameron Spencer, Chris Thompson, Fraser George, JJ Le Feuvre, Tom Seedhouse, William Dawson, Dan Baker.
