CORNISH All Blacks’ joint head coach, Ryan Westren, believes third-placed Bridgwater & Albion will provide a different challenge than many of their fellow Tribute South West One (West) rivals when they meet at Polson Bridge on Saturday (2.30pm).

The promotion-chasing All Blacks had last weekend off following their 22-8 victory at relegation-threatened Teignmouth 12 days ago.

That success was on the back of successive derby day defeats at Okehampton (31-13) and St Ives (13-10), which saw them drop below Okehampton in the table.

However, Okehampton’s failure to grab a bonus point in their 15-12 success over Newent, means their lead is down to just a point with eight games remaining.

Bridgwater, who include former Launceston man Wayne Sprangle as player/coach, started the season like a train in winning five of their first six games before being given a lesson by the All Blacks in a 60-33 defeat in North Somerset back in October.

From there, they suffered a huge dip in form to lose four of the next five, but have turned things around to be unbeaten in six and sit ten points off second, and Westren is expecting a stern test.

He said: “Bridgwater went through a sticky patch but they’re now third and are a decent side.

“When we went there they were flying high, but they’ve worked through their issues and are back in contention, so we need to be on the money.

“We took some steps forward at Teignmouth but the biggest thing for me is that we continue to work very hard, front up in defence and then let our game build from there.

“But they’re a bit different to most teams. They like to play rugby, which is more like us. They play a good brand of rugby and when teams are willing to play like that it makes them dangerous. From our point of view, we’ll make a point of making sure we try to win the battle, assert our dominance and get in the ascendency, which hopefully limits their style on the game!"

Westren is hopeful that more running rugby could be on offer.

He said: “Although the weather could have a say, it’s a different test compared to playing Okehampton or St Ives, so it brings different challenges and it’s something we haven’t had to face for the last few weeks. But like I said, we still have to win the battle, assert our dominance and build the game how we want!”

Preparations for the game for the All Blacks haven’t been smooth so far, although it’s given the players a chance to freshen up.

Westren said: “Last week was frustrating with it being a down week and the weather. It was more of a break than we’d have liked but it’s given the walking wounded an extra six days to heal and we’ll assess the situation throughout the week.

“But Andy Knight should be available and hopefully Adam Collings could be back in contention if he comes through both nights of training. I’d also expect to see Will Morton back in training which gives him a chance to put his hand up while Chae Jenkins is definitely available after playing for Cornwall Under 20s on Sunday.”

Although those four could be included in the matchday 18; Westren and Marc Williams remain unavailable due to calf and knee injuries respectively.

Westren said: “I’m likely to be a couple more weeks and Marc is approaching a return. He’s probably about a month away, which is good news as we thought he’d be out for the season.”

With just two games in February, Westren would prefer to see a fixture every weekend, but hopes the club will be celebrating the title come April 13 when Lydney visit on the final day.

Westren said: “Unfortunately at this time of year there’s a couple of down weeks which is slightly frustrating, but there’s a silver lining to everything and we want to make sure the final run-in is one to remember!”