Following last week’s sensational opening-day victory at Sedgley Park, the new-look Rams side will look to make it back-to-back wins as they return to home turf against the Bristolians.
The two teams played out a couple of intriguing tussles as Dings made their debut at Level Three last term, Rams ultimately winning 44-36 on the road and 26-17 at home in a pair of even contests.
And Seb is expecting another cracker, saying: “They’re sprinkled with quality throughout their whole side, and you could see despite the loss the threat they had against Rosslyn Park last week.
“They had some great moments in the game and we’re under no illusions of how tough this will be.”
Robson returns to Rams
Rams make three changes to the starting line-up with Ben Atkins replacing the injured Aaron Tull in the back row, Ollie Hodgson for the unavailable Sam Boxhall at scrum-half and the returning Charlie Robson coming in for Oli Rhoads on the wing.
The latter switches back from a summer playing rugby league having enjoyed a fruitful campaign at Champ side Coventry – where he scored seven tries in 18 games – and the Head Coach is pleased to have the speedster back in the ranks.
He said: “Charlie’s a fantastic young talent who has spent time with us before and he’s got so much to give to the sport.
“Things have given a chance for him to return and he was keen to get back among the boys – he’s been superb this week, he’s a dangerous player and hopefully he can have a good game.”
Baker back, Pereira set for debut
Three further changes come on the bench with record-breaker James Baker set for a 439th first-team cap, while at the other end of their careers, second row Liam Elston could win a second and scrum-half Louis Pereira a debut.
Seb continued: “James had a very good pre-season and it was a shame he just tweaked his calf, but he’s recovered so well.
“It’s a tough one because George Breese and Ryan Lomas were superb last week – Ryan retains the starting jersey, but George will come again and they’ll all work together in the tight-head role.
“Liam has been outstanding since he came back from his travels and Louis is brilliant, he’s full of energy and been a great addition to the squad.”
Astonishing effort from volunteers
With plenty of off-field upgrades set to enhance the spectator experience, the DoR was quick to praise the army of volunteers who have helped push things to another level.
He said: “The work Roddy (Vaughan) and the grounds team have done this summer is incredible – the pitch has been so dry and they’ve battled the elements, but with the bore hole and use of the irrigation system, it’s amazing.
“The work our volunteers do is remarkable – Andy Anderson and the Lynch family were up all yesterday working on the scoreboard – and we’re always trying to improve the atmosphere.
“We want the matchday experience to be as good as possible for everyone who pays good money to come along, and that’s both off and on the field with the product the players are looking to deliver.
“We want our fans to be excited by a group of young players who are hungry and passionate for the sport, and coming together more and more.”
And furthering his call to arms among the supporters, Seb ended: “Nothing beats OBR and we can’t wait for tomorrow – home games are magic.
“When Richmond went up in 2020 one of their players said the atmosphere at Rams was the best in the league, and I think it’s only got better since then.
“We’ve added the stand, the hospitality has gone up and it creates a wonderful vibe – I know players who’ve joined in the past two seasons all talk about wanting to play in front of the Ramily.
“For some of them it comes tomorrow, and it’s great for them.”
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