Rotherham Titans will look to bounce back from last week’s disappointing defeat to league leaders Richmond, when they travel the short distance to face Hull Ionians for the divisions only Yorkshire Derby on Saturday; kick-off at Brantingham Park is 2pm.
After the bitter frustration of losing 23-6 to the Londoners at Clifton Lane, Rotherham are determined to return to winning ways against Ionians, following a good week’s preparation on the training field.
Saturday’s Yorkshire clash will be the first competitive game between the sides and as with all derbies the match is sure to be a competitive and intense affair.
Going into the game Titans have made seven changes to their starting XV, three of which come in the backline.
Tom Bacon moves to full back in place of George Castledine, as Dan Leake returns to the side on the right wing.
Jude Williams, who has been with the Titans since pre-season training in the summer, following his dual-registration from Wasps, will make his debut on the opposite wing as he comes in for Ben Robbins.
And completing the changes in the back-field, Morgan Bunting will make his first start for the club after 7 appearances from the bench, as he comes in for Sam Hollingsworth.
In the pack there are two front row changes as Jack Bergmanas makes his first start of the season at hooker for Agustin Defelitto, whilst Harry Whitfield comes in at tight head prop for the injured Will Dennis.
In the second row Elliott Ward replaces Dan Preston-Routledge and in the back row Keifer Laxton returns to the side in place of Alfie North.
On the bench covering prop is Zac Nearchou; like Jude Williams, he too has been with the Titans since pre-season training in the summer, following his dual-registration from Wasps.
Titans: 15 Tom Bacon, 14 Dan Leake, 13 Connor Field, 12 Tom Bullough, 11 Jude Williams, 10 Morgan Bunting, 9 Connor Dever, 1 Toby Williams, 2 Jack Bergmanas, 3 Harry Whitfield, 4 Elliott Ward, 5 Kieran Frost, 6 Lewis Wilson, 7 Keifer Laxton, 8 Zak Poole (Capt.).
Replacements: 16 Agustin Defelitto, 17 Zac Nearchou, 18 Dan Preston-Routledge, 19 Alfie North, 20 Sam Hollingsworth.
