Jersey Reds coach Webber: Perfect display required at Saracens

Jersey Rugby Club, St Peter. Jersey Reds assistant coach, forwards coach, Rob Webber Picture: ROB CURRIE

The Island club are set to return to league action on Saturday afternoon with undoubtedly their toughest fixture of a truncated 2020/21 schedule.

Former European and Premiership champions Saracens, who were relegated from the top flight as punishment for salary-cap infringements, lost to Cornish Pirates last week and forwards coach Webber believes Jersey must be at the limit of their potential if they are to follow suit.

‘We will have to be 100% on the money to get parity and hold our own,’ said Webber, who made over 300 Premiership appearances for Bath, Wasps and Sale before retiring last year.

‘I have got knowledge of Saracens, having played against them, but the game is constantly evolving and they will have changed the odd bit here and there. It’s more about preparing the team in general than me saying what it was like playing them a year ago. It’s about the here and now and we have to prepare as best we can.

‘Playing against Saracens is huge for everyone in the Championship because of everything they have done in recent history. They’re a fantastic team and are renowned for their culture and environment. Their set-up is one many rugby clubs aspire to.

‘For us it’s a big challenge but we’re not fearful of going there. We’re excited to test ourselves and get stuck in.’

Saracens’ pack was obliterated by Pirates last Saturday, with South African World Cup-winning prop Vincent Koch enduring a particularly tough afternoon. However, Webber is not anticipating a repeat at the StoneX Stadium.

‘One thing I do know, having directly scrummaged against Vincent Koch, is that he’s bloody good,’ Webber added. ‘On their artificial pitch I’m sure it will be a different story.’

Jersey welcome new club captain Lewis Wynne into a matchday squad for the first time following his recovery from injury, alongside short-term loanee Scott Van Breda. The South African, who captained the Reds in 2017/18, has returned from Worcester Warriors on an initial one-week deal.

Jersey Reds XV to face Saracens (1-15, provisional): Dan Richardson, Antonio Harris, Ciaran Parker, Zak Farrance, Sean O’Connor, Max Argyle, Lewis Wynne, Kyle Hatherell; James Elliott, Brendan Cope; Brendan Owen, Dan Barnes, Scott Van Breda, George Spencer, Tom Williams.

Replacements: Jack Macfarlane, Roy Godfrey, Ziana Alexis, Rory Bartle, Tim Grey, Josh Bainbridge Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, Apakuki Ma’afu.

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