‘WE’VE built a nice relationship with Aberavon over the past three years, and it’s become a great fixture.’
Director of Rugby, Seb Reynolds, is relishing a second trip to the Talbot Athletic Ground as Rams renew rivalries with their Welsh adversaries for the fourth consecutive year.
And another cracker is likely on the cards after Rams won the first two 38-19 and 35-28 before The Wizards stormed back to triumph 38-24 at OBR last August.
They had previously trailed 24-0, and following last week’s 40-14 success against Clifton, the DoR is expecting an almighty test.
‘An ideal game’
He said: “It’s a fantastic place to play, a top stadium and tough rugby which makes for the ideal game.
“They’ve recruited very well, similar to ourselves with guys out of BUCS Super Rugby who are young and dynamic.
“But they also know their bread and butter, a hardened set-piece and powerful forwards who gave us a pasting last year.
“They’re a very physical side who will provide a massive test for us.
“We need this kind of fixture for what we’ll experience this year.”
Seb continued while referencing the historical Anglo-Welsh rivalry, stating: “A lot of clubs do it because you can go across the border, you know you’re going to get a good game and Wales is a proud rugby-playing nation.
“It adds spice to a pre-season game, which is what you want.
“I mentioned last week there’s no easing into this sport and it’s the same again this time round.”
‘We need to get better after last week’
Rams welcome Axel Kalling-Smith back onto the right wing while Army ace Matt Blee slots in at outside centre.
The remainder of the three-quarters has Darren Atkins at full-back and Connor Burns on the left flank.
Ellis Jones starts at inside centre with Ross McKay and scrum-half Ed Hoadley completing the play-makers.
Up front Ant Marris, hooker Harry Bicknell and Ryan Lomas make up the front row, with Paddy Jackson and Shay Sainsbury are in behind.
Aaron Tull, Mikey Duda and skipper Willo Bicknell complete the back row.
Rams have also named a strong set of 15 replacements as they work towards the National One opener at home to Sale on September 5.
Commenting on the Clifton success last week, Seb said: “I was pleased in that you could see what we’ve been working on in a first hit-out. That was very positive.
“But now we need to get better (at Aberavon).
“We’re trying out some combinations this week which we feel can work together, but with the league only two weeks away, we’re also looking to embed what we’ve been working on.
“These include the fundamentals like we’re physically ready for a full National One game, our skills and set-piece are ready – we want to know we can take it into the season.”
