Match Preview

The Hurricanes progress into March with only two league fixtures this month, amongst all of the Six Nations fanfare. First up is the away trip this Saturday to Tottonians RFC to face their 2nd XV. Then a week later Sandown & Shanklin make the trip down to Bognor RFC for a big clash between 2nd and 3rd in Hampshire Premier.

Taking it week by week, Sandown & Shanklin must firstly focus on getting past the obstacle that is Totts first on Saturday. Earlier in the season, the Hurricanes triumphed 107 -7, however, the visitors are not expecting this tie to be an easy game by any stretch of the imagination. The hosts have been a much sterner test at home for visiting teams, and with the Hurricanes missing a number of key players this week, it is beginning to add up to a tough week for the island based side.

The unavailabilities for this Saturday include: props Martin Richomme and Darren Carew, injured hooker Zak Chiverton up front, and then missing centres Sam Tyson and Jack Wedderkop, full back Ben Sanderson, and wing Wayne Williams. There is also an injury to returning back Michael Barrett, who has re-signed with the Hurricanes from Bournemouth but sadly will have to wait for his re-debut after recovering from a suspected broken thumb.

This also, in turn, presents an opportunity for some players to stake a claim for a starting berth the following week, and create some competition for places. In the front row there is a reshuffle, with the returning Chris Skelley in line for his first appearance of the season. Similarly in the back line, with both Jacob Jordan and Tom Borrer both available, there is likely to be a positional switch to fullback for Borrer to help cover the unavailabilities suffered this week.

"It will be a test of character and the teams ability to handle pressure without their usual leaders," said Director of Rugby Damien Marriott.
"With Sam [Flux] leading as he does every week, he will be missing his to vice-captains in Zak [Chiverton] and Sam [Tyson] who have been massive this season in stepping up when needed. Some of the younger lads are going to have to step up and fill these voids to help get the result they desire this weekend. They will be aided by some of the more experienced heads in the group, yet again, everyone needs to stand up and be accounted for this week, to put us in the position we want to be going into next week."