Described by head coach Harvey Biljon as a really exciting addition to his squad, the 29-year-old’s signature was announced exactly a week ago.
| P | W | D | L | BP | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester | 14 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 65 |
| Bristol | 14 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 64 |
| London Scottish | 14 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 46 |
| Nottingham | 14 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 40 |
| Rotherham | 14 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 34 |
| Bedford | 14 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 7 | 31 |
| Cornish Pirates | 14 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 6 | 30 |
| Jersey | 14 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 28 |
| Yorkshire Carnegie | 14 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 26 |
| Moseley | 14 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 22 |
| Doncaster | 14 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 5 | 21 |
| Plymouth Albion | 14 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 14 |
However, despite acknowledging Otto’s ability, the South African coach says fans mustn’t demand too much too soon.
‘He’s excited to get out on the park and play,’ said Biljon, while discussing Otto’s inclusion.
‘But let’s not expect too much. Let’s get him fit, let’s get him enjoying rugby and let’s give him a real welcome here at St Peter.
‘He’s got pace, he’s got evasion, he’s got good power and he’s an exciting player all round.’
To accommodate the former Bristol player, the Jersey coaches have reshuffled their back line, with stand-off Jonny Bentley losing his starting place as a consequence.
Instead, Lewis Robling – who’s been a near-constant feature at inside centre – is set to make his first Greene King IPA Championship start in the number 10 jersey, while Mark McCrea has moved to the midfield.
Biljon continued: ‘We’ve identified something while watching Bedford and we think this team best suits the way we want to play against them.
‘I’m sure you can work out from Robling and McCrea at 10 and 12 how we want to play.’
With Grant Pointer likely to be sidelined until the end of the season with a torn pectoral muscle, Aaron Penberthy continues at fullback, while Nick Haining is still absent for medical reasons.
Argentine hooker Martin Garcia-Veiga starts at number 2, while Tongan Sami Fisilau is fit to continue at scrum-half. Pierce Phillips is back at second row in place of the injured Dave Markham, while Paula Kaho gets the nod at number 8 ahead of Michael Noone, who is named among the replacements.
As was the case last season, sixth-placed Bedford, who are just three points ahead of the Islanders in the table, arrive at St Peter with former fan favourite Michael le Bourgeois in their ranks. With not a single local-born player named among the Islanders’ match-day 22, Blues will actually field more Jerseymen than the Reds themselves.
Biljon commented: ‘I think it’s unfortunate but it’s out of my control at the moment.
‘If you look at the Jersey players currently in the squad, they’re not fit to be selected so you have to weigh that up. If Jack Burroughs didn’t have a pulled hamstring, would he be vying for selection at fullback instead of Aaron Penberthy, for example?’
Despite beating Plymouth Albion in their last outing, the Blues have not been convincing in recent weeks, suffering defeats at home to London Scottish and away at Rotherham Titans.
Biljon, who watched his side edged out 25-20 at Goldington Road in October, added: ‘We know it’s going to be tough, we know they’re going to really front up in the pack with regards to their scrum and lineout and we know they will want to throw the ball around.
‘For us it’s about keeping our defence where it is at the moment, keeping that control in defence and with regards to attack; limiting the errors and sticking to task.’
The game kicks-off on Saturday at 3 pm.
(1-15) Sam Lockwood, Martin Garcia-Veiga, Harry Williams, Nick Campbell, Pierce Phillips, Alex Rae (capt), Ryan Hodson, Paula Kaho, Sami Fisilau, Lewis Robling, Fautua Otto, Mark McCrea, Drew Locke, Mark Foster, Aaron Penberthy.
Replacements: Nacho Lancuba, Joe Buckle, Danny Herriott, Gary Graham, Michael Noone, Ryan Glynn, Jonny Bentley.
