London Scottish director of rugby Mike Friday reckons the forward contest is the key battle ground when Cornish Pirates visit the Athletic Ground tonight.

The exiles are looking to back up last week’s fine 26-22 triumph over Yorkshire Carnegie with another win and welcome back scrum-half Jamie Stevenson to the starting line-up for the first time since October following a knee injury.

James Phillips replaces Chevvy Pennycook (concussion) in the back-row, while there is a place on the bench for fit again USA Eagles forward Tai Tuisamoa.

“They have a hard working, tough pack and Tom Kessell at nine is the man who makes them fizz,” said Friday.

“We will have to exert ourselves in the set piece first and foremost and then play with the same ambition in attack we showed last week.

“Defensive discipline is key too. We must get that right.”