Rotherham Titans are expecting to be fully tested this weekend when they welcome old friends Richmond to South Yorkshire; kick-off on Saturday at Clifton Lane is 2pm.
Having been relegated from the Championship last term, it is no surprise Richmond currently sit top of the pile, having won six of their first seven games.
Under Director of Rugby, Steve Hill, Richmond will be determined to return to level 2 of English rugby at the first attempt and having retained a significant number of Championship players from last season, they have quite rightly been installed as the favourites to win the division.
A narrow 19-14 home defeat to Cinderford last time out was seen as a bit of a shock, despite the South West’s sides promising start to the season and as a result, Richmond will be determined they don’t slip up again this week.
Rotherham were also involved in a shock result last time out when they travelled to big spending Chinnor. Titans stunned the division with an impressive 26-24 victory at Kingsey Road.
The South Yorkshire side scored three super tries through their backline and defended with great intensity and physicality to earn a deserved victory over a side which is sure to be there or thereabouts come April.
Going into this week’s clash Rotherham have made just two changes to their starting XV, both of which come in the pack.
Agustin Defelitto will make his first start for the club as he comes in at hooker for the injured Harry Newborn (ribs), whilst Alfie North will also make his first start, as he comes into the back row for Keifer Laxton.
And a special mention for Jack Bergmanas who is involved in his first match day squad this season, following an ongoing medical issue. Jack’s presence on the bench will not only lift the squad, but as a fans favourite will also lift the Rotherham faithful.
Titans: 15 George Castledine, 14 Tom Bacon, 13 Connor Field, 12 Tom Bullough, 11 Ben Robbins, 10 Sam Hollingsworth, 9 Connor Dever, 1 Toby Williams, 2 Agustin Defelitto, 3 Will Dennis, 4 Dan Preston-Routledge, 5 Kieran Frost, 6 Alfie North, 7 Lewis Wilson, 8 Zak Poole (Capt.).
Replacements: 16 Jack Bergmanas, 17 Harry Whitfield, 18 Elliott Ward, 19 Ben Waddington, 20 Morgan Bunting.
