DAVID Dunn admits Lions must discover a different mentality to cope as underdogs but he insists: “We are capable of beating anyone on our day.”

The Bournemouth director of rugby also believes his players will have to get used to chasing games during their National Two South baptism of fire.

On their way to promotion last season, Lions regularly dished out hammerings to lesser teams as they romped to title glory at level five.

However, they will be bidding to halt a run of three successive defeats when they host high-flying Shelford at Chapel Gate tomorrow (2.30pm).

Dunn says a change in mindset during matches is required in order to meet the challenge of playing in English rugby’s fourth tier.

He told the Daily Echo: “The players have said they are not used to being down in games and having to fight back.

“They felt heads dropped last week at Dings instead of them picking it up.

“What’s gone is gone. Our focus is on our goals for tomorrow’s game.”

Favourites to win virtually every match in recent seasons, Lions will again have the odds stacked against them when Shelford visit Dorset.

The Cambridgeshire outfit are in fourth position and have only suffered one league defeat this term – at the hands of leaders Henley.

Dunn said: “We have done some homework and know that Shelford are very big and physical up front. We have been training accordingly this week and will be picking a big pack of forwards to do the job.”

Lions are hoping to gain international clearance to re-sign prop Luca Firetto and centre Adam Higgins, who have been playing in Italy and Canada, respectively.

Scrum-half Sam Hardcastle returns against Shelford so Ben Stevenson is expected to revert to his preferred position at stand-off. Hooker Frazer Wilford has also been named in the Lions squad but Tommy Booth (work commitments) and Tony Dunkerley (ribs) are ruled out.

Lions: (from) Drake, Edwards, Connolly, Chislett, Stewart, Grace, Pollard, Stevenson, Hardcastle, Carrel, Spikings, Wilford, Manning, Featherstone, Collier, Forrest, O’Brien, Hart, Hughes.

  • Swanage & Wareham travel to Swindon hoping to build on their first win of the South West One East season. They secured victory against Bletchley last time out.

Swans: (from) Dunsford, Rowberry, Wilcox, Cottrell, Chadwick, Smith, Armstrong, Frampton, Elford, Andrews, Collins, Corsie, Jones, Tomes, Desmond, Sheldrake, Blackmore.

  • In Southern Counties South, Wimborne entertain Sherborne and Oakmeadians visit Corsham.