Canterbury Rugby Club’s first XV will be boosted by the return of full-back Gert De Kock for Saturday’s home game against Rosslyn Park in National League 3 South.

De Kock missed the last two games after returning to South Africa to attend a wedding. He comes back today (Thursday) and goes into Saturday’s side as the team prepare the perfect riposte to suggestions that they lack the ability to survive at national level.

“Having Gert back is a massive boost for us,” said Canterbury coach Danny Vaughan. “As far as I know, he’s fully fit and there are no problems.”

Saturday’s 37-25 defeat by Richmond was Canterbury’s fifth league defeat of the season and set alarm bells jangling.

Third place Rosslyn Park have never beaten 10th-placed Canterbury at national level but both clubs have undergone changes since last season.

Vaughan added: “Injuries are killing us, we’re having no luck on that front. Rosslyn Park are riding high and will start as favourites.

“But if we can get everyone fit, we’re a match for anyone.”

Michael Melford, who has been out of the reckoning with a foot injury for the past three weeks, has what Vaughan described as a 90 per cent chance of being fit. Second row Matt Lister is doubtful with a knee problem sustained after coming on as a substitute against Richmond, while fly-half Dave Marshall is troubled by an ankle injury.

Props Mark Livesey and Matt Pinnick both picked up leg injuries against Richmond and underwent fitness tests at training on Thursday.