Plymouth Albion set for 'Premiership' test against Bristol

Plymouth Albion coach James Shanahan says his players need to be ready for a Premiership-quality test when they face Bristol on Saturday.

Shanahan's side are in form with three straight wins, but he expects Bristol to be a step up in standard.

"It's going to be another tough battle," Shanahan told BBC Radio Devon following last week's win over Jersey.

"They're another big physical pack. They have, in their eyes, a Premiership squad with Premiership money."

Shanahan added: "It's going to be huge for us but we're at home, it's a local derby and we've had three wins on the bounce.

"We've got a lot of confidence and we need to look forward to the challenge against Bristol and put in a performance at home in front of a good crowd."

Albion will be without top points scorer Dan Mugford after the fly-half was forced off through injury against Jersey, with his place taken by Declan Cusack.

The only other change to the starting XV sees Paul Rowley promoted to the starting line-up, with Ruairi Cushion out injured.

New signing Martin Rice will start the game on the bench.