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#Post#: 10972--------------------------------------------------
Roth v Rosslyn Park Team News
DIR By: Watto
Date: September 6, 2024, 7:08 am
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Rotherham Titans play their first game back in National 1 since
2020 on Saturday, when they open their campaign against one of
the title favourites Rosslyn Park; kick-off at Clifton Lane is
2pm.
It’s been a challenging few years since Rotherham were relegated
after the 2019/20 season was cut short due to Covid-19. The RFU
used a formula to decide the final table which saw Rotherham
positioned 3.17 points adrift of fourth bottom Birmingham
Moseley.
However, despite that disappointment and the belief they would
have stayed up on merit, Rotherham refused to bemoan their bad
luck and knuckled down to start a rebuilding process.
In part that was achieved last season, when following a titanic
season-long battle with Leeds Tykes they managed to gain
promotion after winning 25 of 26 Nat 2 North games.
Titans will look to build on that outstanding achievement this
season when they take on the next-level opponents in National 1.
However, they know it won’t be an easy task and there will be a
lot of lessons to be learnt along the way. Indeed, Saturday’s
first-up opponents, Rosslyn Park, will surely offer one of the
sternest tests of the season.
The South-West London based side are traditionally one of the
best in the division; they finished third last season and have
genuine ambitions to compete in the RFU Championship.
Going into the game Harvey Biljon has selected a familiar
looking starting XV, but there will be 5 players set to make
their Titans league debut.
In the front row all have previously worn the jersey as hooker
Luke Cole is flanked by props and Co-Captain Charlie Capps at
loosehead and Andrew Foster at tighthead.
Co-Captain Zak Poole is accompanied in the second row by
debutant Curran Maguire, who was previously at Durham University
RFC; whilst the back row sees John Okafor at blindside and
new-recruit Travis Gordon, formerly of the Golden Lions, on the
openside, with Callum Bustin at number 8.
The backline sees scrum half JB Bruzulier joined in the half
backs by debutant Rob Povey, formerly of Utah Warriors, USA.
In the centres another debutant, Joe Mounsey (University of
Newcastle Upon Tyne RFC) lines up alongside last seasons leading
points scorer, Lloyd Hayes; with a back three of Tomasi Tanumi
and Jamie Cooke on the wings and former Nottingham flyer Ronnie
Du Randt at fullback.
Speaking ahead of the game Harvey Biljon reflected:
“Everything has been pretty exciting and a bit of a
rollercoaster; it’s gone from winning promotion to getting a
squad together for a National 1 campaign and then straight into
pre-season. I think we’ve been lucky to get three really good
fixtures, but none of those games count for anything until you
start the league.
“I believe where this team starts and where it finishes are
going to be two completely different places. There is loads of
growth in this young group, with a smattering of senior players
and I think it’s something we can look forward to.
“National 1 is an unknown for me, so I can’t compare our players
to any of the other teams. It will be interesting to see which
players step-up, because I believe we have players that have the
ability to push beyond Nat 1, but it’s how they approach it,
commit to it and embrace the challenge ahead.
“It’s going to be a long season and in our group we have a
little bit of depth and it will be important how we find that
balance, because it’s not going to be just 15 players that
determines how our season develops.
Our pre-season games were very useful as they offered different
challenges.
“I think whoever we were playing in our first game back in Nat 1
was always going to be an exciting challenge, but to have
Rosslyn Park, who finished in the top 3 last season, means we
are going to be thrown in at the deep end, but I’m not sure if
any of our coaches or players would want it any other way.
“We’ve had a brief look at their squad and they’ve a handful of
ex-Championship players, which means there is going to be
experience and understanding from those quality players.
“You also have to mention the fact that Charlie Mulchrone is
coming back to Clifton Lane. Everyone knows the impact he had on
play when he was here and there’s no doubt they have some real
quality within their squad. Added to that I think they had the
top try scorer in national 1 last season on the wing.
“However, I want our players to go out there and continue to
perform; we are growing as a group and we are going to get a
taste for it. Clifton Lane is the place to be at 2 o’clock on
Saturday afternoon.”
Titans: 15 Ronnie Du Randt, 14 Jamie Cooke, 13 Lloyd Hayes, 12
Joe Mounsey, 11 Tomasi Tanumi, 10 Rob Povey, 9 JB Bruzulier, 1
Charlie Capps (Co-Capt.), 2 Luke Cole, 3 Andrew Foster, 4 Zak
Poole (Co-Capt.), 5 Curran Maguire, 6 John Okafor, 7 Travis
Gordon, 8 Callum Bustin.
Replacements: 16 Jack Bergmanas, 17 Loma Kivalu, 18 Rikki Stout,
19 Harry Newborn, 20 Max Green.
#Post#: 10973--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roth v Rosslyn Park Team News
DIR By: Keppeltitan
Date: September 6, 2024, 7:46 am
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Best fullback in the league last year Jack Townend not even in
the squad rubbish decision.
#Post#: 10977--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roth v Rosslyn Park Team News
DIR By: Mwhite83
Date: September 6, 2024, 9:20 am
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Happy with that squad can't wait to see the new players as I
haven't been able to see any of the pre season games but the
biggest thing for me is seeing cookie back in a titans shirt.
Like the previous post I'm surprised townend isn't playing as he
was my player of the year last year bit if Harvey thinks this is
our strongest team available I'll go with it. Come on Roth
#Post#: 10980--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roth v Rosslyn Park Team News
DIR By: Whiterhino
Date: September 6, 2024, 12:48 pm
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--- Quote from: Mwhite83 link ---
>
> Happy with that squad can't wait to see the new players as I
haven't been able to see any of the pre season games but the
biggest thing for me is seeing cookie back in a titans shirt.
Like the previous post I'm surprised townend isn't playing as he
was my player of the year last year bit if Harvey thinks this is
our strongest team available I'll go with it. Come on Roth
>
--- End Quote ---
And
He might not be available or carrying an injury ? Trust in the
people who know better !
#Post#: 10981--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roth v Rosslyn Park Team News
DIR By: Rucko
Date: September 6, 2024, 3:50 pm
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ROSSLYN PARK TEAM
1. Josh Pieterse
2. Jasper Cameron
3. Rhys
Charalambous
4. Gregor Gillanders
5. Jordan Martin
Sponsore
6. Matt Bolwell
7. Archie Hosking
8.
Jack Digby
9. Charlie Mulchrone (C)
10. Steffan James 
11.
Benji Marfo 
12. Matt Gordon 
13. Theo
Manihera
14. Charlie Walker 
15. Joe Luca Smith
16. Conrad Cade
17. Matt Woodward
18. Craig
Stevenson
19. Ewan Fenley 
20. Luc Smith
#Post#: 10982--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roth v Rosslyn Park Team News
DIR By: Mwhite83
Date: September 6, 2024, 6:49 pm
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I never said it was bad just that I was surprised he wasn't and
also said if Harvey thought it was the strongest squad for
tomorrow then I'll go with it meaning I trust his judgment
#Post#: 10983--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roth v Rosslyn Park Team News
DIR By: Chris.Garbutt
Date: September 7, 2024, 2:24 am
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A couple of familiar names in their squad. I believe Rosslyn
Park are tipped as one of the favourite to win the league so
this will be a great test for us.
Our squad looks very strong. Great to see a good bulk of last
years team in there.
We have a massive squad this year but we also have a long and
tough season ahead so there will be plenty of opportunities for
players to make there impact.
Can't wait for the game.
Come on Roth!
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