MATCH PREVIEW: ‘IT SHOULD BE AN AMAZING ATMOSPHERE’

DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds is relishing another ‘amazing atmosphere’ as Rams head to National One title favourites Rotherham Titans (2pm).

After playing in front of more than 4,500 at second-placed Plymouth Albion last month, another hostile environment awaits at Clifton Lane.

But Seb said: “The Shed is what National One is all about and they’re so well-supported.

“It’s an old-school place, they’ll give it to us during the 80 minutes, but they’re also nice, respectful people before and after the game and we look forward to going back.

“For our young lads it’s a chance to do the best they can in what should be an amazing atmosphere, and hopefully it will be a good game.”

He continued: “They’re going so well and had that last-second win against Plymouth, but it’s exciting.

“They’re not far out from the title which means they’ll get great support, but hopefully a bit of pressure.”

In the corresponding fixture last season Rams saw their 10-match perfect start to the season ended 21-14 in the mud, continuing Titans incredible home form.

Harvey Biljoen’s side have lost just once in 39 games on their own patch.

But a hope for Rams is Mike Cooke was at No. 10 in Bishop’s Stortford’s victory last term.

‘We have to win physical contest’

Head coach Seb is hoping for a fast game and added: “We’ve had decent weather the last few weeks, the tracks have firmed up – it wasn’t so long ago everywhere was so soft and now we’ve got the sprinklers on our pitch!

“Watching the game, Stortford at the time were playing some beautiful rugby, got on the front foot and generated some quick ball.

“But it’s like anything. Whatever type of game it is, you need to win the gain-line battle, the territorial exchanges, the physical contest, and if you do those, you’ll have a chance to play.

“We have to get to that phase though!”

Praise for MacRae, Hodgson and starting debutant Vasu

Rams make five changes to the side which beat Leicester Lions 73-38 last time out, record-breaker James Baker back at tight-head.

Connor Stapley also returns to the pack for a 143rd cap.

Ed Hoadley is in at scrum-half, Ollie Hodgson reverting to the wing, with Rowan Grundy starting at inside centre.

His promotion from the bench sees Morgan MacRae move to No. 13, while Tom Vasu starts for the first time on the left wing.

Morgan will play in his sixth position of the season and Seb joked: “It’s nice for him to try another new thing!

“To his credit when he started at 12 it was an experiment, but it’s paid off.

“There have been moments where he’s had to develop, others where he’s had fantastic form, but he’s one of our top try-scorers.

“He takes everything in his stride and will do a good job.”

On Hodgy and Army ace Tom, the DoR ended: “Ollie’s got great heart and you need your toughies when you go to these places.

“He’s one of the toughest lads I’ve come across.

“Tom’s great footwork, amazing potential, and while he’s raw at the moment, he’s incredibly brave and we look forward to refining him over the years to come.

“He’s going to be a top player for us.”