CH1 preview: London S v Hemel (Sun)

London Skolars coach Joe Mbu believes his side have found a new lease of life as they approach Sunday’s crucial Kingstone Press Championship One Elimination Play-Off.

Mbu said: “We trained on Tuesday and the boys were bubbly, lively and bouncing around like it was pre-season, which I hope is a good indication of what’s to come this weekend.”

Skolars lost to a last-minute try at Rochdale last week, but Mbu insists it is a lesson that will stand his side in good stead.

He said: “If we get to that stage again, up by two with two minutes to go, I’m hoping they’ll have learned enough about what needs to be done and how they need to approach those last few minutes. It’s invaluable.”

Michael Worrincy is a major doubt for London, while Hemel Stags trio Eddie Mbaraga, Chad Sharp and Christian Champion are all set to miss out.

Stags coach Troy Perkins said: “Our injury list is getting longer and longer, and we’re pretty much down to the bare bones now.

“They’ve come at the wrong end of the season for us, but we’ve got lots of character and we always work hard.”