Dan Jeffrey has earned a recall at scrum half as Huddersfield Rugby Union Club bid to end Macclesfield’s 10-match winning streak at Lockwood Park on Saturday.
Gareth Lewis’s side have taken some impressive scalps on their home soil – like Chester, Leicester Lions and Sandal – and the head coach believes they can add another against the National II North leaders.
Despite their 19-13 defeat at Sale last time out, Huddersfield produced plenty to be encouraged about and, with Lewis Workman returning at full-back in a reshuffle to accommodate the loss of winger Tom Kanouras, who has had surgery to a gashed knee, there’s confidence in the camp.
“On reflection, we played some great stuff against Sale FC,” explained Lewis, who has shifted Nick Rawsthorne back to the wing from No15.
“The lads worked exceptionally hard to create scoring opportunities, but through a combination of inaccuracy, lack of support and a little bit of bad luck, we couldn’t make our chances count.
“Our defence was good again, as was the scrummage, and the lads can’t wait to test themselves against Macclesfield.”
Huddersfield are without flanker Liam Parfitt, who is unavailable due to playing for Sale Jets (the Sharks A team) against Worcester Cavaliers on Wednesday and being included in their squad for Monday’s trip to Leicester Tigers.
Lewis Bradley retains his position at hooker as Huddersfield bid to move up from third bottom of the table against a side beaten just once all campaign.
“Macclesfield are a big, powerful side and have a good blend of experience and youth,” added Lewis.
“They have won 10 games on the spin, so will arrive with confidence – but for whatever reason this is when we perform at our best.
“We have prepared well this week and I know the boys will throw everything at them.”
