Bristol and Worcester Warriors may be the promotion favourites in the IPA Greene King Championship, but pace merchant Miles Mantella has warned against counting out London Scottish, writes Chris Bailey.

Mantella’s attentions will lie at the Warriors’ Sixways Stadium this weekend on Sunday as he takes on international outfit Canada as part of an all-star Championship XV.

The 23-year-old’s call-up comes as no surprise after plundering five tries in eight games in all competitions so far this season – having racked up a total of 22 last year.

But while his finishing may be as potent as ever, wing Mantella is desperate to ensure his scores are made all the more worthwhile by leading the Exiles into the play-offs.

Scottish suffered a heavy defeat against Bristol in September but are still primed to be right in the mix at the business end of the season after winning four of their first five games.

And he says his side need only look at how last season’s dark horses, London Welsh, lasted the course in the play-off final at the expense of favourites Bristol last year.

“I’m not sure if I can say I’m doing as well as last season yet but after eight games it’s been quite a good start,” he said.

“The last few games haven’t been what we’re looking for in the British & Irish Cup, but we’ve got back into the swing of things.

“Bristol and Worcester are two top teams with two very big squads, but London Welsh didn’t necessarily beat the best teams last year, they made sure to beat all the teams below them to get into the play-offs.

“And when you’re there every game is like a cup final – any team can perform on the day so if we keep it consistent, there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.”

Fellow Exiles Mark Bright, Max Maidment and James Phillips join Mantella in the Championship XV to play a Canadian outfit who are currently ranked No.17 in the world.

And lining up against them will be a familiar face in former Exiles lock Tyler Hotson, who made the switch to Doncaster Knights last summer.

“Tyler was with us last year so it’ll be interesting playing against him – I haven’t spoken to him but I think a few of the other boys have,” he added.

“Hopefully when we meet on Sunday I’ll be in a bit of space.

“It’s been good getting to know the boys who we’re usually up against instead. We just need to make the most of the few sessions we have and go out and express ourselves – we’ve definitely got a chance of winning.

“It was a massive honour to be asked to play with some of the best players in the league and Canada will be treating this as a chance to push on ahead of their autumn internationals.”

* Support your club players in the Championship XV v Canada on November 2nd at Sixways Stadium. Tickets available online at warriors.co.uk