Norwich kicked off the New Year with a solid win at Woodford last week - but know a step up in performance will be required this weekend.

They are at home to Harlow, to whom they lost 37-33 in a thrilling game at the Essex side's impressive new facility at the end of September.

Norwich will be without the significant presence of Laurence Austin for the London 2NE fixture so Ryan Bigland comes in at eight and Simon Richards starts at six.

After two months on the injured list, Paul Micklethwaite returns to the bench alongside young prop George Ainge who impressed in his brief outing against Chiswick in the RFU Cup before being injured. Jonny Wheater completes the bench with Nick Austin starting in the centres.

The remainder of the team is much as it was last week.

Director of Rugby David Everitt said: 'Although we were a bit rusty last week after the Christmas break, the team showed that they have come a long way since the start of the season. The forwards dominated the set-pieces and allowed the backs space that they exploited with some excellent tries.

'Harlow will be a sterner test this week. They have a powerful pack of forwards and some elusive backs so we will have to make sure that we are competitive in the set-pieces and secure with our tackling.'

Coach Jonny O'Brien added: 'Saturday's win was an important one. '

'This weekend's fixture is very exciting and I know players and coaches will be keen to show how far this team has come since we last played them.'

The race for the London Three Eastern Counties title continues with the top two both facing home matches they should win comfortably against lowly opposition.

Stowmarket, who lead the way on points difference, entertain Lowestoft & Yarmouth, who have lost all their matches so far, while rivals Southwold host Crusaders.

Elsewhere Wymondham travel to third-placed Ely, Thetford host Woodbridge, Holt are at home to Newmarket and there's a derby match between West Norfolk and Wisbech,