Navan set for Queens test

It's a case of on the road again for Navan this weekend when they set out on their travels in search of AIL Div 2A points. 

In their last outing they headed west to take on Galwegians. This time they they will be heading north, to Belfast to tackle Queens University at their home ground of Dub Lane, a trip that promises to be full of uncertainly and pitfalls, yet there is no reason why Ray Moloney's men can't approach the examination full of confidence.

Confidence with a dash of caution. 

Navan are, after all, considerably better off than Queens at the moment in terms of league position helped by two recent performances that, in their own way, were both impressive and perplexing.

There was the 20-13 win over high-flying Cashel in Balreask Old a few weeks ago in what was Navan's first game in 2019.

Next up were Galwegians away. An easy enough victory you might expect as the Connacht men are struggling badly at the bottom of the table.

Navan won, but only by 7-5, a scoreline that suggests they did not have things their own way. Far from it. 

Against Queens this Saturday Navan will have to produce 'a Cashel-like' display if they are to return home with a victory.

In that Cashel contest Navan were strong in the scrum and tenacious at the breakdown with their quick ball helping to unlock the Tipperary team's defence with Brian Haugh and Paddy Fox breaking through for tries.

Fox's try will be long remembered at Balreask Old as it came in the dying seconds ensuring the victory. 

Navan absorbed considerable pressure against Cashel also - and that's something they will undoubtedly have to do when they take on Queens. 

When they are on their game Navan are a formidable force with experienced campaigners like Leigh Jackson, Eoin King and Bryan McKeever playing some of the best rugby of their careers this season.

If Navan forwards can ensure a steady supply of quick ball from rucks and mauls they will surely expose the Queens' defence - but in Ulster it's never easy to achieve a victory.

Navan can add to their haul of wins achieved this season but there is unlikely to be much between themselves and Queens at the final whistle at Dub Lane on Saturday.