DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds admitted Rams will ‘have to be really on the ball’ when in-form Leeds Tykes visit Old Bath Road tomorrow (3pm).
The visitors made it four wins in five games where they have scored a combined 207 points with a 36-31 success against Bishop’s Stortford last time out.
Pete Seabourne’s side now sit fourth in a congested table.
And Seb said: “They’ve had a very strong start to the season and have good skill levels throughout the side.
“They’ve got plenty of go forward and a lot of threats out wide.
“The early stages of the season suit a side who play very expansively, and they’ve been racking up a lot of points.
“Leeds look to play from deep and we’ll have to be really on the ball tomorrow.”
Rams, meanwhile, have won their past two home fixtures, including a comfortable 27-7 triumph against Bury St Edmunds.
They previously won a more chaotic affair 38-34 versus Rosslyn Park.
But an under-par effort at Tonbridge Juddians meand they went into the break weekend in 11th.
Praise for Swain, Tokura, Burns
And there are five changes with Ant Marris, Ollie Stirling and 2024/25 Players’ Player Dan Swain returning to the pack.
Isaac Tokura comes in at 12 with Henry Kirwan on the right wing.
Connor Burns is also set for debut off the bench.
Seb continued: “Dan had a strong performance at Cambridge and he’s ready to take part this weekend.
“Isaac’s been superb, and he has such a fantastic attitude.
“He deserves his shot at 12. He’ll bring the physicality which is required in midfield in this day and age, as Ellis has done all season.
“I wish him all the best and I’m sure he’ll go well.
“It’s been a while to get Connor out there, but he’s done well with his recovery despite a couple of setbacks. He’s stayed positive and I’m pleased for him.”
Commenting on the importance of home form, the DoR added: “With any side you want to make your patch a hard place to win at.
“We want to build with this group and have them create their own momentum, atmosphere – their own version of Rams.
“I feel they’re starting to do that, they’re coming together and despite the disappointment at TJs, we’ve had a good week and we’re looking forward to get out there.”
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