TIM Streather says Nottingham have to do the double over Melrose in the next eight days if they stand any chance of progressing to the second stage of the British and Irish Cup.

And the centre (pictured) is proud to lead the charge, named captain for Friday night's must-win encounter at Meadow Lane Stadium (7.45pm kick-off).

Streather insists Nottingham can fight their way out of trouble in Pool 8, despite sitting bottom of the group with a solitary point.

The Green and Whites have named a powerful side to face the two-time defending Scottish Premiership champions, with props Matt Parr and Michael Holford leading a pack that includes Dan Montagu, Rupert Cooper and Alex Shaw.

Triple centurion David Jackson will again feature at full back with Nottingham top try scorer Rhys Crane making his first Cup appearance.

"We have four games to turn it around, and that is four wins we have to get," Streather said.

"It hasn't been a great start for us in the Cup but we have the team to turn that around.

"It is weird to play the same side in back-to-back weeks like this, but the aim is the same - we have to win it."

The biggest change for Nottingham this week is again the hierarchy, with forwards coach Neil Fowkes handed the reins by head coach Martin Haag.

Backs coach Ben Johnston was acting boss in the opening Cup game this season, with the competition used as part of the coaching team's development.

That, however, has not taken away from the RFU Championship club's intent on getting back on track in the cross-border competition after losses to Doncaster and Welsh side Llandovery.

Fowkes makes five changes to the starting side that got bogged down in the 11-10 defeat to the Cornish Pirates last week.

Hooker Shaun Malton, second row Joe Cain and centre Andy Forsyth make their first starts for Nottingham this season.

Teenage fly half Rory Lynn partners experienced No. 9 Sean Romans while Japan international James Arlidge is afforded the fortnight off.

Flanker Tom Calladine replaces captain Brent Wilson, who takes his place on a strong bench with Ryan Bower, Finlay Barnham, Scott Wright, Joe Quinn, Joe Cobden and Ryan Hough.

For those intending on making the trip to Meadow Lane, Nottingham has planned the first of two festive celebrations, with a themed food and drink offer, entertainment from the Sherwood Spitfires Cheerleaders and a Christmas performance from the Nottingham Music School Orchestra.

It promises to be a great Friday night out with group ticket offers available in both the Derek Pavis (5 ticket for £75) and Haydn Green (5 tickets for £50) stands still available. For further information visit: www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk  or call the club on 0115 907 0070.

Nottingham Rugby team to face Melrose at Meadow Lane Stadium on Friday, December 7 (7.45pm kick-off):15 David Jackson 14 Alex Lewington 13 Tim Streather 12 Andy Forsyth 11 Rhys Crane 10 Rory Lynn 9 Sean Romans 1 Matt Parr 2 Shaun Malton 3 Michael Holford 4 Dan Montagu 5 Joe Cain 6 Rupert Cooper 7 Tom Calladine 8 Alex Shaw.

Replacements from:16 Scott Wright 17 Ryan Bower 18 Joe Quinn 19 Brent Wilson 20 Finlay Barnham 21 Joe Cobden 22 Ryan Hough.