Brighton Blues have concerns over a key front row forward as they prepare for their big Twickenham final.

The Sussex One champions are keeping a close eye on loose head prop Sam Hutton ahead of Saturday’s EDF Junior Vase showdown with Liskeard and Looe (1pm).

Hutton, 24, has a knee problem and Blues will need him at full power against hard-scrummaging Cornish opponents.

Player-coach Neil McGovern admitted: “We are very much wrapping him up in cotton wool at the moment because he is a big player for us. Hopefully by Thursday or Friday he will be able to have a little run out on it in time to start on Saturday.

“Our set piece has been an integral part of our season. We haven’t met a side yet who have beaten us up. That’s what Liskeard and Looe are going to aim to do.

“I think they will be a traditional Cornish side but we won’t change the way we play.

“We’re going to take them on up front and we’ve got a front row more than capable of doing that.”

Former Scotland prop Dave Hilton helped put the Blues’ pack through their paces at training last night.

Brighton have sold almost 1,000 tickets for the final and more supporters are expected to pay on the day. Admission to the lower West Stand costs £5 for adults and £1 for children.

Brighton: Buoy; Hallett, Finch, McGovern, Trevis; Burns, Hutchison; Hutton, Groombridge, Ellis; Gibb, Tompsett; Jenkins, Fordham, Hannay. Reps: Salvage, Economou, Roberts, Griffin, Swadling, Aiken, Lewis.