Rotherham Titans are back on the road this weekend for another tough challenge when they take on Rams in round 12 of National 1; kick-off at Old Bath Road on Saturday is 3pm.
Following a difficult encounter against Plymouth, where all the usual obstacles proved too much to overcome, the South Yorkshire outfit take on another top-end side, as they look to retain their spot at the top of the pile.
The disappointment of their 22-21 defeat at Albion, which came via an injury time penalty, will be set aside as they fully focus on Rams.
Rams will come into the game full of confidence after an excellent 38-24 win against Leicester Lions at Westleigh Park, where they outscored the hosts by 6 tries to 3.
Rams skipper Max Hayman crashed over for 4 tries from the back of his sides powerful maul; the hooker would have added a fifth, but Lions brought down the maul to concede a penalty try instead.
Nevertheless, Rams are not a one-dimensional team as they have a dynamic backline that can hurt teams from anywhere on the park, as their 11-try hammering of Dings Crusaders will testify to.
Other notable successes for the Berkshire based side include away wins over Sedgley Park, Leeds Tykes and Clifton, whilst they have also impressed with wins over Tonbridge Juddians and Birmingham Mosely at home.
The history between the clubs is relatively short as they have met on just 4 occasions with Rams holding the head-to-head advantage 3-1.
Going into the match Rotherham have made 2 changes to their starting XV, one in the forwards and one in the backs.
In the front row hooker Luke Cole will be flanked by Alastair Donkor at loosehead prop with Xavier Valentine at tighthead.
The second row sees Frankie Gascoigne link-up with Harry Gilson-Fox, whilst in the back row alongside John Okafor at blindside and skipper Harry Newborn on the openside, Callum Bustin returns from injury and comes in for Ellis Thomas at number 8.
The backline sees JB Bruzulier at scrum half; he’ll be joined in the half backs by Rob Povey following his stint on international duty with Canada.
Povey’s return means Lloyd Hayes reverts to his more familiar role in the centres where he’ll link up again with Travis Gordon.
The back three sees Mitchell Lacey-Babalola move from the centres on to the left wing for Sinjin Broad with Jackson Barling on the right wing and Isaac Shaw at full back.
Titans: 15 Isaac Shaw, 14 Jackson Barling, 13 Lloyd Hayes, 12 Travis Gordon, 11 Mitchell Lacey-Babalola, 10 Rob Povey, 9 JB Bruzulier, 1 Alastair Donkor, 2 Luke Cole, 3 Xavier Valentine, 4 Frankie Gascoigne, 5 Harry Gilson-Fox, 6 John Okafor, 7 Harry Newborn (Capt.), 8 Callum Bustin.
Replacements: 16 Morgan Veness, 17 Zach Toerien, 18 Andrew Foster, 19 Jack Baldry, 20 Sinjin Broad.
