BOURNEMOUTH host North Dorset this weekend in what promises to be a tough game up front for the Lions.

The visitors to Chapel Gate sit seventh in Regional Two South Central, behind Bournemouth in fourth.

Bournemouth’s director of rugby, Will Croker, said they know a bit about North Dorset’s side, with former Bournemouth players Sam Knott, Robbie Sampson and Brett Pointing all involved in the club.

“They're a massive pack, big old group of boys that play sort of very much route one, heavy rugby and we've got to be ready for that,” Croker said.

“We've got to be ready for the physical battle, especially with the ground getting a bit softer underfoot against big heavy pack.

“If you start to go backwards it can be very hard to stop and stop the slide.

“So we are very much ready for that.”

For the Lions, Sam Hardcastle returns to the matchday squad on the bench, while Stanley Vincent steps back into the first team after playing for the second side last week.

“He's rejoined us from Worthing in National Two and we're delighted to have him back,” Croker said on Vincent. “He's a big ball carrying back rower that should cause a few problems for the opposition.”

Josh Wickens will also make the step up from the second side, and is deserving of his place after some strong performances for the Nomads.

He, too, has rejoined the club this season, signing from Winchester, while Joe Rees has been given a rest to have an injection in his shoulder ahead of what will be a tough November for Bournemouth.

Croker added: “It's all set to be a good old tussle.”

The second team travel to Gosport and Fareham after a good win against Bognor, which Croker says is a difficult place to go, with the wind howling in off the Solent.

Bournemouth’s thirds play away to Swanage and Wareham in what promises to be another tough fixture.