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The first Fallaize Cup to be contested in Guernsey since 2018 is an exciting prospect for St Jacques Vikings, who will proudly wear the green and white hoops of Guernsey Raiders 2nd XV tomorrow against Jersey RFC 2nds.
As part of the Spring Insure Siam Cup at Footes Lane, the Raiders second string are hoping to regain the trophy that they last won that same year, during the ‘green wash’ that saw all four matches against the Caesareans go the way of Guernsey.
The Fallaize Cup was not contested between 2020 and 2022, but last year it returned to the schedule when Jersey lifted the trophy on home soil thanks to a late surge to secure a 41-26 victory.
The Vikings, like their Jersey counterparts, have had a strong season, securing back-to-back promotions.
Importantly they come into this contest having had several tougher encounters throughout the season, which their head coach Ray Smart believes will better prepare them for the challenge of Jersey.
"When looking back at the footage away in Jersey and how we are playing now, I can see big differences in individual players and as a group. We are much better prepared for the game on Saturday.
"We've picked a strong squad, we had some difficult selection calls but we'll have a strong bench as well. I think we're going to be three or four players stronger than last year, as well as individual players developing this season."
Pictured: Captain Mitchell Smith rises high in the line out.
Mitchell Smith has the honour to captain the Vikings for this clash, fresh from making his debut for Hampshire last weekend against Sussex.
The talismanic backrow will aim to lead from the front, as he has done so for much of the season and will hope he can also bring his excellent form from the back end of the season, which saw him score a hat-trick in their final league game.
He is joined in the forwards by his brother Jacob Smith, who has arguably been the star performer for the Vikings this season. He starts in the second-row with Tom Creed, one of the biggest leaders in the side.
Dan de Kock joined this side halfway through the season and has quickly proved himself to be a very strong addition, scoring seven tries in three matches.
He starts in the backrow, joining his captain and also Angus MacCallum, who has impressed since moving to the island this year and made his debut for the Raiders recently.
In the front row, Smart has opted for some of his strongest scrummaging options, with Darrin Bellingham, Phil Le Noury and Tom Bray named.
They have all played significantly this season, and all have Guernsey Raiders first team experience, with Bellingham playing in the Siam Cup defeat to Jersey last season.
Among the backs, Ben Holland plays his first game in a Sarnian side for a number of years. The scrum-half moved to New Zealand to pursue rugby opportunities, but he is now back home in Guernsey for a period. He comes in after Pierre de Garis was ruled out through injury.
Partnering Holland in the halfbacks is Daniel Rice, a very experienced flyhalf who has played well for both the Raiders and Vikings this season. He is tasked with controlling the attack, and his long-range boot offers an additional weapon.
Following their recent marathon exploits, Taylor Quate and Joe Le Roux are back in the side at centre and wing respectively, while Tom Veillard joins Quate in the midfield. He offers a second playmaker option, which could prove vital in unlocking Jersey's defence.
When available this season, Will Forbes-Lee has been a stand out player for the Vikings in Counties Two. Injuries and unavailability have restricted his gametime, but he comes into this fully refreshed and ready to go for the end of season finale. He starts on the wing, whilst Gearoid Lee completes the side at full-back.
Smart has named several impact players among the replacements, including JP Phelan, who is an excellent scrummager, and Jack Webber, who will be a strong option to add momentum when required. James Mroch, Keiran Williamson, Chris Croft and Will Creber make up the remainder of the reinforcements.
Jersey are expecting another tight game.
"We are not just one team at the club, we have prepared as a whole squad between those in the Siam and those in the Fallaize," said Jersey head coach Myles Landick.
"Many of those in the second XV have played several games for Jersey RFC during the season.
"The messages we have delivered have been to both squads and we really wanted to stress that. We are a group of players and the Fallaize is a really important fixture to us as well as the Siam.
"I think all the matches are very hard to call this year, which will make for an amazing day of rugby to both watch and be involved in."
The Fallaize Cup kicks off at 11.45am, following the conclusion of the Veteran Nash Cup at 10.15am. The ladies (1.45pm) and men's Siam Cup contests follow (4.15pm).
Guernsey 2nd XV:
[1-15]: Darrin Bellingham, Phil Le Noury, Tom Bray, Tom Creed, Jacob Smith, Angus MacCallum*, Dan de Kock*, Mitchell Smith (c), Ben Holland, Dan Rice, Joe Le Roux, Tom Veillard, Taylor Quate, Will Forbes-Lee*, Gearoid Lee
Replacements: James Mroch, JP Phelan*, Keiran Williamson, Chris Croft, Jack Webber, Will Creber*
*denotes Fallaize Cup debut
Jersey 2nd XV:
[1-15]: Jake Bates (c), Andrew Pitcher, Harvey Evans, Nathan Thomas, James Guyatt, Cameron Halliwell, Jack Preston, Cameron Querree, Callum Cuthbert, Mark Boarer, Tom Pinel, Brian Njomba, Jacques de la Bat, Billy Mullins, Charlie Best.
Replacements: James Kent, Joao Tomas, Sam Gott, Lewis Ham-Howes, Ethan Huish.
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