NRC Preview – Gloucestershire All Golds v South Wales Scorpions

Gloucestershire All Golds coach Brad Hepi will be without Jamie Crowther (broken hand) for four weeks following last week’s bruising introduction to the semi-professional ranks.

Hepi is hoping his squad can adapt to the challenges posed at this level ahead of Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup fixture with South Wales Scorpions.

Hepi said: “The guys have now had a taste of what it’s all about.

“Where they could get away with things in student rugby, this is a whole new ball game in terms of the quality of the players you’re up against.”

Scorpions coach Dave Clark has challenged his side to bounce back from last week’s 54-12 defeat by London Skolars.

Clark said: “That performance was unacceptable at all levels.

“The players know they need to put things right this week, and they’ll be extra determined to do just that.”

Haydn Peacock is set to miss the rest of the Northern Rail Cup campaign with an ankle injury.

Clark is set to give Nigerian-born prop Samir Tahraoui an opportunity to impress.