WHAT happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
Coinshares Park will answer that question tomorrow, as Jersey RFC host London Welsh, with both outfits’ one hundred percent record at stake.
Seven games into the season, Jersey trail Welsh by a lone try-scoring bonus point, with the top two winning all of their matches to date.
Granted, there is a long season ahead, but tomorrow feels important – a precious opportunity for both to really lay the gauntlet down to the rest of the league as title favourites.
Head coach Myles Landick’s expectations for the Regional 1 South Central season were modest, but despite an injury-plagued opening block, his side have been relentless in their pursuit of three promotions in as many seasons.
“We’re certainly good enough to get a result,” said an assured Landick.
“If we play to our potential, then we know we can.
“But we are certainly not thinking tomorrow is the be-all and-end-all.
“Of course it’s a huge clash, but it’s only the eighth game of the season and there is so much rugby to play.
“Bracknell proved against us that most teams in this league have the ability to come and win on any given day.
“So, we have to turn up week after week, be professional and give everything, regardless of the opposition.”
Evan Whitson, Jersey’s captain and a stalwart of the forward pack, is named in the matchday squad for the first time this campaign, since suffering a frustrating pre-season injury.
Scrum-half Max Harrington also returns to the bench alongside Whitson, as Landick welcomes back the key duo at a timely moment ahead of their toughest challenge to date.
The men in red are further buoyed by the proposition of having Scott Van Breda, Dan Barnes and Mark Boarer available for next weekend’s journey to Camberley.
“We’re really fortunate with Evan coming back,” added the head coach.
“He’s obviously a great player, but, just as important, he’s a big presence when out there.
“When we look at where we stand, having used 30 different players already this season, it’s something we are very proud of.
“I think we used 45 in the whole of last season and we’re only seven games into this one.
“There have been challenges, but the players have risen to all of them.
“George [Willmott] is one of them freak players.
“He’s shifted from number 8 to centre and has adapted incredibly well.
“It’s such a bonus having a player that can shift between the forwards and backs and show no drop-off in ability whatsoever.
“If we can come out of this weekend with a win and welcome back potentially Scott [Van Breda], Dan [Barnes] and Mark [Boarer] ahead of Camberley, we will be in a very strong place.”
London Welsh have a very familiar face leading their charge, in the shape of Tommy Bell.
The talented full-back played alongside Landick for Jersey Reds, before departing for Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers in 2014.
“They are looking very strong,” continued Landick.
“I obviously know Tommy very well and he has done some outstanding work with their attack.
“So that’s credit to them and it’s reflected with their start.
“We definitely respect them, but we know weare strong enough to compete.
“It was amazing to see the crowds up at the club last week for the Springboks visit and we hope that’ll encourage people to really embrace the rugby we have in Jersey and come out and pack the crowd tomorrow.
“Welsh are bringing a strong travelling contingent, so we are expecting it to be a really good occasion.”
Action from CoinShares Park is set to get underway at 1.30pm.
Jersey RFC to face London Welsh [1-15]: Huw Owen, Jack Macfarlane, Tom Wilson, Cameron Keys, Max Ayling, Euan Spencer, Tom Tilstone, Jerry Sexton, Liam Rhodes, Daniel Hawkes, Tom Bulfin, George Willmott, Nathan Rogers (c), Bevan Biggs, Ethan Huish. Replacements: Joe Ridgway, Evan Whitson, Max Harrington
