Rotherham Titans expecting 'fast and tough' test in the capital

Like Rotherham, the London club  have won their last five matches, a run that has taken them to third in the table, three points better off than the Titans.

They’re also a tough proposition on their artificial pitch at Roehampton and are sure to present one of the most searching tests of the season.

“We’re expecting a fast tempo game on their 4G,” Barker told the Advertiser. “Rosslyn are a talented group, they have a good home record. It will be tough and we will have to be on top form but we’ve prepped as hard this week as any other week.

“We have had a nice Christmas break, we’ve all enjoyed ourselves, and now we’re back into the swing of it and are eager to get going again.”

Titans celebrate a try in their last away victory at Bishop's Stortford.

The time off has given players time to shake off niggles and injuries, with Jamie Ure and Eru Smith-Wano both returning to the squad. However the match has come too soon for full-back Callum Irvine who has been nursing a hamstring injury.

Added Barker: “Nothing will be won or lost on Saturday but with Rosslyn being in contention with us at the top, it’s an important game.

“We are now starting to see a gap open between the top five and the rest. When you play the first half of the season, you get a feel of who is better. The teams at the top are the most challenging ones we have had to face.”

Kick-off is 3pm and travelling supporters are being advised to leave extra time for their journey due to road closures.

Team: Tom Allott; Dan Leake, Harry Dunne, Ellis Abrahams, Connor Field;  Joe Barker, Connor Dever; Dan Richardson, Ali Thomson, Will Dennis; Conor Keys, Jamie Ure; Luis Ball, Zak Poole,  Seb Nagle-Taylor.

Replacements: 16 Jack Bergmanas, 17 Rikki Stout, 18 Kieran Frost, 19 Eru Smith-Wano, 20 Alex Dolly.

For more on the Titans check out today’s Advertiser.