The New Zealand duo who have handed Portsmouth a boost ahead the trip to Old Tiffinians

Two Kiwi navy players, Trent Nancikevell and Jonathan Benton, have been drafted into the squad for their debuts.

Senior coach Neil McRoberts intends to unleash the pairs powerful running on their south London hosts.

‘Both players have full caps for the New Zealand navy team and we are lucky to get them,’ said McRoberts.

‘They are based in Portsmouth and have been training with us.

‘Trent will start at outside centre and Jonathan will play outside him if Robert Lamberton fails a fitness test.

‘This is probably the biggest game of the season so far for us.

‘Three successive wins has got us back in the mix for the second promotion spot.

‘Old Tiffinians are just above us, so if we beat them it will add to the pressure on them.

‘Earlier in the season we were unlucky to lose to them by a point.

‘They kicked their winning penalty in the final minute.

‘They are a good, fit strong athletic team, like us.

‘We know that we can match them and it is a case of getting ourselves set up mentally for an away performance.’

The visitors are also strengthened by the presence of Dan Sergeant in their front row.

This is likely to be his last game before returning to play at National League with Worthing.

‘Dan realises the importance of this game so has delayed his departure so he can play in it,’ added McRoberts.

‘He will want to put in a big performance.’

Other changes in the team sees Matt Farnes move to scrum-half with Kieran McRoberts partnering him at outside half.

‘We will need to keep showing the rugby intelligence displayed in our win against Trojans,' said McRoberts.

‘Old Tiffinians are dangerous and we can't afford to give them any easy opportunities.

‘Since returning after Christmas, the team has showed renewed belief.

‘We must look to maintain the standards we have reached in our last three games.’

n In the same division, Gosport & Fareham are in Hampshire derby action at Andover.