NOTTINGHAM backs coach Ben Johnston says Saturday's British and Irish Cup showdown with Llandovery will galvanise the team for its RFU Championship play-off bid.

HOT TO TROT: Nottingham backs coach Ben Johnston oversees training in the snow at Lady Bay.

The Green and Whites have it all to do against the Pool 8 leaders on Saturday if they are to top the group and win a place in the next stage.

Nottingham needs to bag a bonus-point victory, win by more than 10 in the process and keep the Welsh Principality side quiet by denying the visitors a losing bonus point of any sort.

Johnston, who will again be standing in for Martin Haag as head coach, insists there is a lot the high-flyers can learn about  themselves in the game of high stakes.

"We are obviously in a good position in the league, in the top four, and it is games like this that can help us build for later in the season," Johnston said.

"There is a lot to learn from how we deal with matches like this."

For all the scenarios and the high-profile meeting with Bedford at Meadow Lane eight days later (Sunday, January 27, 2.45pm kick-off), Johnston refuses to get distracted.

"We have to do the job this weekend and have to keep building momentum, so winning is essential," Johnston said.

"It is a big game against Bedford coming up, but we can't be looking too far ahead otherwise you risk losing sight of what you are doing and that is exactly when you risk losing that momentum.

"WE don't just look at game being a league match of a Cup game, it is an amalgamation of the two."

Nottingham take on Llandovery at Meadow Lane Stadium on Saturday, January 19 (8pm kick-off).

Buy your ticket at www.nottinghamrugbydirect.co.uk or call the office on 0115 907 0070.