Canterbury are waiting on the fitness of centre Andy Pratt before naming the side to face London Scottish in National League 3 South at Merton Lane North on Saturday (3pm).

Pratt is nursing a damaged thumb and this week consulted Kent Cricket Club physio Nimmo Reid who advised him to have an X-ray.

Coach Danny Vaughan said: “I spoke to Andy on Tuesday night and he hopes to play but we will leave a decision as late as possible.”

Steve Goode and Dave Hillerby will start in the front row as Vaughan rotates the squad, with Matt Pinnick and Mark Livesey starting on the bench.

The visit of the once-mighty Anglo-Scots could attract a crowd of around 800 and represents one of the city club’s toughest tests of the season against a side who have invested £1.5 million in a bid to return to the big time, recruiting several former Premiership players in the process.

Vaughan is under no illusions about the task facing his side but added: “We beat them home and away last season – but they are bigger and stronger this year.”

Unbeaten Scottish are second, a point behind leaders Ealing but struggled early on against Rosslyn Park last week before winning 25-17.

Vaughan was pleased with the 32-20 win at Rugby Lions last week which earned Canterbury their first bonus point of the season. He said: “It was a great team display.

“Gert De Kock’s 22-point haul made him a very influential figure. He is a fantastic player and really showed his class. Cristoff Blom also had a big game at open-side.”