DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds admitted a low penalty count will be key in tomorrow’s National One home game with Camborne (3pm).
Rams face high-flying Town for the first time, with the visitors arriving on the back of seven straight victories.
The third-placed side have also won all five of their away games this term.
In nine matches hookers Ben Priddey (15) and captain Sam Matavesi (seven), playing No. 8 against Rams, have scored a remarkable 22 tries.
The latter has another two from the back row.
Discipline key to stopping maul
And Seb began: “Camborne have had a fantastic start to the season.
“They’re doing some good stuff off the back of a strong platform from their pack and have got some lads who get can over the gain-line well.
“They’ve scored a lot of maul tries and the first element to stopping it is not allowing entries into your 22; the second is making sure you’ve got a decent strategy to defend the maul.
“We’ll give it our best shot.”
Pulling the strings behind the pack is former Ram Fraser Honey, who scored 341 points in 51 appearances during two years at Old Bath Road.
The DoR continued: “He’s experienced and knows what he’s doing.
“Fraser is a fantastic player and person. He was popular and did some great stuff for us, despite doing some long, long journeys.
“I’m glad for him he’s a bit more local now at Camborne, and he’s had a massive impact there. But I hope we give him a good game tomorrow!
“Our last two weeks have shown a lot of promise. I know it sounds a little bit strange, but I feel good about this side right now.
“The fight and effort they’re putting in is top draw, the elements we’re trying to put into our game takes time, but we’re going in the right direction and doing some good stuff.
“We’ve got to stay patient and keep on this path.”
Seasonal debut for captain Max
Rams make two changes to the starting line-up, with Aaron Tull in for Ryan Cozens – observing concussion protocols.
He starts at open-side flanker with Dan Swain switching to the second row.
And for the first time this season, captain Max Hayman is fit to start after recovering from a broken foot.
Seb commented: “It was great to have Aaron back off the bench, Willo (Bicknell) returning, Ben (Atkins) with the start. They’re experienced quality players.
“Dan Swain as well, they brought the energy and it allowed Liam Saayman to feed off that, and he had a very strong game as well.
“So we’re starting to generate massive competition.
“The most frustrated person (when not able to play) has been Max.
“He’s just wanted to get out there, but he’s been pure class in the way he’s led from the front in training.
“He’s demanding an effort and excellence and what’s nice as coaches is they’re starting to police it themselves.
“It was evident on Tuesday night when they were taking each other to task, but it was a breath of fresh air.
“They weren’t being horrible to each other, but to kick on as a team, you set standards with each other and have accountability.”
With the biggest lunch of the season booked and strong travelling support from Camborne expected, Seb is hoping for a special environment at OBR.
He ended: “Playing in front of 2,500 at Plymouth was great for everyone.
“We have good support, Camborne will bring some and it should create the atmosphere we want to bring back and build with a run of wins.”
Early-bird tickets are available at a discounted rate before midnight tonight. To book, click here
