Doncaster Knights: Discipline key against Red hot Jersey - Matt Challinor

Doncaster Knights turn their attention back to the B&I Cup tomorrow where they face a testing quarter-final tie away at Jersey.
Matt ChallinorMatt Challinor
Matt Challinor

The Reds were beaten finalists last season and they are the current form team in the Championship.

Club captain Matt Challinor, who is set to miss the tie due to a hamstring injury, is under no illusions about the size of the task.

Jersey are on fire,” he said.

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“They became the first team in the league to beat (leaders) Bristol at Ashton Gate earlier this month and they’ve also posted some other big wins recently so we know what to expect.

“We know their type of game so we know what to expect.

“They are a tough outfit to beat especially when they are playing well and have a lot of confidence.

“We know it’s a big ask to go there and beat them but we feel that if we can implement our game-plan then we fancy our chances.

“They’ll be kicking to the corners from penalties and then will try and score from driving lineouts.

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“We’ve generally defended driving lineouts well this season though we conceded two tries from that tactic in the home defeat against Richmond a fortnight ago and we’ll have to do better in Jersey.

“They’ve got some really good forwards and they’ll be looking to try and exploit any perceived weakness. They’ve also got some good backs as well so they have threats throughout the team.

“We’ve got to try and at least match them in those areas but I think a lot of it will come down to discipline on the day.

“If we give a lot of penalties away, as we did for instance against Pirates recently, then we’ll be inviting pressure on ourselves so discipline is really key.

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“As this is the last B&I Cup competition it would be nice to get our name on the trophy.

“We got to the final in 2015 but it turned out to be disappointing against Worcester when we finished well beaten at Castle Park after beating some big clubs to get there.”

He added: “Cup rugby has a different feel and with there being no play-offs this year, the big target during the run-in is the B&I.

“Once you get to the knock-out stages it takes on a new meaning.”