Doncaster Knights are the perfect opposition for London Welsh after the Exiles’ derby defeat to Esher, according to head coach Phil Greening.

Welsh went down 22-19 to Esher at Molesey Road last Friday evening in the rain, and Greening believes that Doncaster will provide the perfect challenge for the Exiles on Saturday at Old Deer Park (3pm), as they look to bounce back and maintain their unbeaten start to the season at home.

“Doncaster are the perfect team for us this weekend, as they will test us in every way. They’re a tough team that never say die - one that have a physical edge,” said Greening.

“We know and understand what is required from us as a group and if we deliver - making right the wrongs of last week - and hit our standards then we will be happy.”

Against Esher, the Exiles failed to build on Liam Gibson’s try, allowing the home side to open up a 22-13 lead with 13 minutes remaining. Two Gordon Ross penalties closed the deficit, but the home side held on despite late Welsh pressure.

“There was a lack of urgency and we didn’t play as we had trained and discussed. We only played to about 30 per cent of what we are capable of and still almost pinched a game that we did not deserve to win. We have addressed all of that and taken the first step to where we need to be,” said Greening.

“Training this week has gone well and been very positive. The players were hurting all last weekend and Monday was a day of honesty, which was pleasing. We regrouped, looked at ourselves and took positive steps.”

Welsh have made an impressive start to the season at Old Deer Park, racking up bonus-point wins over Birmingham & Solihull and Rotherham Titans. The Exiles, though, will be under no pressure to keep that sequence going against Doncaster.

“The only pressure we feel is internally with regard to our performance details and getting those right. If we do that then our home record stays intact. We only focus on now; not what happened last week or what is ahead,” said Greening.

London Welsh 26-man squad v Doncaster Knights - kick off 3pm at Old Deer Park Lee Beach, Marc Breeze, Errie Claassens, Matt Corker, Josh Drauniniu, Liam Gibson, Michaels Hills, Michael Holford, Will Johnson, Wiasea Luveniyali, Vili Ma’asi, Jonathan Mills, Shawn Pittman, Mike Powell, Martin Purdy, Gordon Ross, Nick Runciman, Ben Russell, Doninic Shabbo, Ben Stevenson, Epi Taione, Aled Thomas, Hudson Tonga’uiha, Lorne Ward, Simon Whatling, Dan Williams.