Doncaster Knights: Nottingham clash is a must-win for both sides, says Clive Griffiths

Knights retained third spot despite finishing empty-handed against fourth-placed Ealing but saw their lead cut to just four points, while the Green and Whites crashed to their biggest defeat of the season when going down 60-14 against unbeaten leaders London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

“I don’t think the size of their defeat will have any impact on tomorrow’s game,” said Knights boss Clive Griffiths.

“We all know what a good side Irish are and they will have taken lessons on board just as we have done after the Ealing game.

“It’s a must-win game for both sides but whereas it wouldn’t be fatal to our top four hopes if we lost it probably would be for them following their recent run of defeats and I’m sure they’ll be up for it.

“It’s a nice wide pitch but it’s next to the Trent and if the water table is high the pitch gets very heavy which will probably suit them if it is heavy tomorrow because they are more used to it.

“One of the problems when you are playing Nottingham is that you don’t always know who you are going to be up against. Because of their geographic location they’ve got links with several Premiership clubs and that helps them with loan players.

“But whoever is playing for them we will need to show both physical and mental strenghth as well as playing smart because they are a tough side to beat at home.”

With Mat Clark and WillGriff John both ruled out, Knights will show at least two changes to their starting line-up.