Richmond head coach Geoff Richards reckons his side are much better prepared to take on London Scottish this weekend than they were ahead of two previous defeats this season.

The Exiles, who have beaten Saturday’s visitors 21-12 and 30-13 in the league and cup already, go into the game as firm favourites to complete a hat-trick of triumphs over their co-tenants after beating National One strugglers Manchester at the weekend.

Richards’ men enjoyed a bonus point away win on Saturday with a 27-8 win at Lydney to blow out the cobwebs from a four week weather-enforced break over Christmas.

And the Athletic Ground chief, who took over the reigns from Scottish director of rugby Brett Taylor in the summer, believes the fact his side has nothing to lose could give them an edge.

“The guys have said they are enjoying the game a lot more because of the structure we have introduced over the last six months,” he said.

“It has been very hard work, but it is coming together and a bonus point on the road at the weekend proves that.

“We enjoy these games a lot more because we can go out and play rugby knowing we have nothing to lose.

“They have spent a lot of money and they have to get promotion, so there is more pressure.

“That said they have recruited the sort of players that can handle that and they proved at the weekend they can hold their own in National One if necessary.”

Three tries from Jonny Wehbe, Tim Cook and Luke Cousins - plus a penalty try - accounted for Lydney on Saturday, but it was the defensive record the impressed the coach most.

“I was very pleased with the effort at the weekend and the way we tried to play rugby on a heavy pitch,” he added.

“We dug in very well and our defence held up excellently in difficult conditions to make sure we came away with the win.”

Richmond’s next three games: Jan 24 London Scottish (a), Jan 31 Henley (h), Feb 7 Chinnor (a).