Jersey RFC need to slay some welsh Dragons this weekend in order to keep their B&I hopes alive

If Jersey want to qualify for the knock-out stages of the British & Irish Cup for the first time they will need to beat visiting Dragons this Saturday.

The Islanders are looking for a third win in the fifth game of their B&I campaign. This would set up a pool 5 decider against Doncaster Knights at Castle Park next weekend, but the Welsh visitors will present a stiff task for Harvey Biljon's squad.

The Dragons Premiership Select side inflicted a 30-27 defeat on Jersey in round 2 in the match played at the Pandy Park home of Cross Keys RFC.

Jersey trailed 17-10 at the break but dominated the second half, taking a four-point lead into added time but then being denied with a Dragons try in the final play of the match.

Biljon has made several changes to his squad from their most recent outing, the 17-all home draw against Doncaster in the Championship two weekends ago. Three backs slot into the starting XV: Mark McCrea and Mark Cooke in midfield, and Aaron Penberthy at full-back; and there are positional switches for Lewis Robling, who starts at fly-half against his former club, and Rich Lane, selected at left wing.

Among the forwards only captain Pierce Phillips and flanker James Freeman retain their starting shirts from the Knights game.

Sean McCarthy comes in at loose-head to partner Martin Garcia-Veiga and Danny Herriott in the front row, the Tongan Uili Kolo'ofa'i will partner Phillips in the engine room, while Tommy Spinks and Nick Haining make up the back row.

Jersey's bench includes new signing Simon Kerrod, who will be looking to make an impact in his first outing since arriving on the Island from South Africa.

Kick-off at St Peter is at the earlier time of 2.30pm.