Championship One Preview: Oxford v London Skolars

Oxford coach Tony Benson insists his side will not underestimate London Skolars in Sunday’s Kingstone Press Championship One fixture.

Skolars lost 46-18 against South Wales Scorpions last week, but Benson said: “I watched that game, and if they get a couple of good London Broncos players in then that will make all the difference.

“On paper the Skolars a very good side. You always worry that this is the week that they’ll turn up, but we’ve got beyond that and we’re just looking at ourselves and whether we’re improving.

“There are certainly some improvements to come from us. We need to tighten up the ruck and get a better defensive line going in broken play. There’s so much to work on every week.”

Benson has major doubts over Jimmy Rowland (dead leg) and Chris Clarke, while Skolars coach Joe Mbu will be determined to bounce back after last week’s disappointment.