BASINGSTOKE RFC will hope to use the inspiration of the World Cup to help them chalk up their first win of the season when high flying South West One side Cobham are the visitors to Down Grange on Saturday (3pm).

Stoke are back in action after a week off, and will be eager to build on the performance they put in against local rivals Winchester in their last game.

They may have lost 32-19, but Basingstoke head coach Gareth Hatherley-Hurford felt his side put in their most complete game to date and also scored their most points of the campaign so far.

The Stoke boss is expecting a tough test for his side this weekend and said: “Cobham have had a good start and seem to be one of the stronger sides this season on their results.

“They did lose their last game, but it’s important for us to focus on us and control our game and get that right before we can start to worry about opponent’s game.”

He added: “We are treating every team in this league with equal respect and approaching every game in the same way.

“We have a strong side this weekend with players coming back from injury. I am excited to see some consistency in the team selection over the coming months.”

Stoke have a busy schedule in November as they play every weekend.