Boyce determined to leave Carnegie a farewell present

HARLEQUINS-bound prop Lewis Boyce insists there is no panic in the Yorkshire Carnegie camp despite their recent slump in form.

A five-game losing streak in all competitions means that bottom-of-the-table Richmond will travel to Headingley today in hope of getting a result not just to make up the numbers.

But Boyce, who scored his third try in four games in last Sunday’s 31-25 loss to Doncaster, believes the situation is far from irreparable.

“Fair play to Doncaster, they were the better team on the day. We got tired, made mistakes and they capitalised on them.

“They are definitely things we can work out. Confidence is still high in the camp.”

Carnegie were left hanging on for a 31-38 victory at the Athletic Ground back in November, having posted four tries inside an inspired first quarter.

“Richmond are a good side, they play at a fast tempo and they’ll have lots of energy and be confrontational and we’ll have to match that and be better than we were against Doncaster.

“As long as confidence stays high and we play how we want to play, we can definitely get the right result.”

Teessider Boyce, a World Rugby U20 winner in 2015, insists his focus is all about the here and the now, rather than on his impending move to the Premiership.

“I’m definitely looking forward to getting down to Harlequins and just giving it a good go at the top level. But there is still a job to do here at Carnegie and I’m going to give it my all.”

Richmond are safe from relegation following the demise of London Welsh but they are still desperate to catch Rotherham and not finish bottom of the table.

They go into the game on the back of a 19-8 defeat to fellow Athletic Ground inhabitants, London Scottish and Director of Rugby Steve Hill is looking for

better execution at Headingley today.

“The squad are very frustrated with Saturday's performance,” he said. “Our execution and precision were not good enough in the first 20 minutes which gave our opponents a huge advantage.

“We need to learn and adapt quickly ahead of a tough away test at Yorkshire Carnegie.”

Jono Woodward shifts to outside centre in place of the injured Cameron Mitchell while, in the for- wards, club stalwart Timmy Walford returns to the starting XV and experienced international lock Tyler Hotson comes into the second row.

With Will Warden named among the replacements, Matt Corker captains the side this week.

Bryan Redpath has made three changes for Carnegie with Andy Forsyth starting at centre in place of the injured Pete Lucock.

Phil Nilsen and Sione Faletau come in at hooker and tighthead respectively.