SOUTHEND Rugby Club’s Mike Stanley will be hoping to cut his way through the Richmond defence on his return to action tomorrow.

The influential former Saracens centre was forced to miss last weekend’s win over Henley with a dead leg.

But he has now recovered and will go straight back into the starting line-up for this weekend’s clash.

“Mike is an important player for us so it’s good to have him back with us again,” said Seasiders’ head coach Andy Holloway.

“He is key to the way we attack and has done well since coming in. Nick (Flexman) replaced him last week and did well so he will still be involved but Mike will be in at centre for what we expect to be another difficult game.”

Richmond are currently ninth in the National Two standings having won six of their 18 matches so far this season.

And fifth place Southend are therefore heading into the game in superior form having triumphed in three of their last four matches.

But, despite those good results, Holloway believes the Seasiders are still capable of more – especially in defence.

“We’ve been working on our defensive work in training this week because we felt we gave Henley too many chances in our last game,” said Holloway.

“A more confident opposition side would have taken advantage and that’s something we’re fully aware of.

“We’re all pleased we’ve been winning matches but the players have learnt to be much harder on themselves.

“We’re certainly not been patting ourselves on the backs because we know we can improve and do much better which is what we will need to do at Richmond tomorrow.

“They play very positively and two of their forwards are actually their best ball carriers so that’s why we must be sharp defensively.”