SIMON LE MOIGNAN says his ‘full-strength’ squad is confident of winning their first Women’s Siam Cup tomorrow.
Guernsey have won nine of the ten editions in the short history of the female inter-insular clash, after the inaugural edition, in 2011, was shared following a 20-20 draw.
Le Moignan’s side were well beaten when the sides met for the 2020 Siam in Guernsey in last November, conceding eight tries in the 46-7 defeat. However, with former Wales international scrum-half Jade Knight in their ranks, he feels they have the tools to achieve a historic victory.
‘Looking at the side we’ll have out, I’d say we are in with a very good shout. There’s confidence through the whole squad,’ said Le Moignan.
‘Our preparations have been fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for them to be more dedicated and aware of what they need to do.
‘They’ve taken everything on board that we’ve given them. We’ve been lucky enough to have Ryan Olowofela and Dan Barnes from the first team to help with the coaching and they’ve helped set out what we need to do.’
Le Moignan admits he had a difficult night telling the players who had made selection for tomorrow, and who had not.
Alongside Knight, winger Gemma Dufty and replacements Andi Vaughan and Georgina Ruellan are set for their Siam debuts.
‘It’s been tough,’ he said. ‘This is what you want to play in and we’ve had to have some tough talks. We’ve told the girls individually who’s starting, who’s on the bench and who are the squad reserves.
‘We’ve got some girls making their Siam debut and then there are some who haven’t made the team.
‘We’ve got a 22-person squad. Everyone has been taping limbs back on to make sure they are fit and available, so we’ve had to pick the players that we think will give us the best strengths to nullify Guernsey’s game.
‘We’re lucky to have Jade Knight available as well as a brilliant number nine and hopefully she will control the game for us.’
The winner will have only a week to savour the result before the two teams go again a week later in Guernsey, by which time Le Moignan hopes to have the name of Jersey engraved on the trophy for the very first time.
‘We’re trying to create a bit of history.’
