Rotherham Titans primed for big promotion test against Blackheath

Titans are nine points clear of their third-placed hosts and five clear of second-placed Plymouth Albion in the race for the one automatic promotion place from National One.

Plymouth come to Clifton Lane next Saturday but before then there’s the challenge of a Blackheath side who beat Plymouth in their own back yard last time out and pushed Rotherham close in November.

"What a game to be part of,” Titans’ director of rugby Harvey Biljon told the Advertiser.

"Everyone knows what a tough proposition Blackheath are. They are always in and around the top four and have taken some great results. Look how tight our game was earlier in the season. Last year we had similar. They will also be full of confidence having come off a win down at Brickfields.

"Our players understand it’s a big match against tough opposition and we need to make sure we get the right training in. We’ve had challenges away from home before and on the whole we’ve been able to get through those.”

Rotherham’s cushion at the top gives them room for error which Plymouth and Blackheath don’t have.

However that situation could change over the next week-and-a-bit.

"I still think teams like ourselves, Plymouth and Blackheath, we’re all going to lose a game between now and the end of the season,” reasoned Biljon.

"Lots is still going to go on and that’s why with five games to go, don’t get ahead of yourselves. Just be in this moment.

"Everyone keeps on talking about everyone else. They tend not to mention us a huge amount and to be honest that’s what we like."

Blackheath have the league’s top try scorer in the unlikely shape of their hooker, Billy Harding, which is an indication of their forward power.

"Blackheath try to match everyone up front this season. Their top try scorer is their maul,” said Biljon.

“If you are ill disciplined, they play into the 22 and let their forwards go to work.

"They also have threats around their 9 and back three so your kicking game has to be on point or they will challenge you.”

Titans reported back in for training after a week off and will be assessing the fitness of Callum Bustin, JB Bruzulier and others.

Such is the importance of the fixture, the travelling party are again having an overnight stay for the match in south east London.

“The players deserved their week off having played seven weeks on the bounce,” said Biljon.

"They’ve had a week off from collisions but I’ve seen the work they've done ticking over with their conditioning and that shows me their commitment.

"We will be fresh and rejuvenated and we will also have a great travelling support. These are the matches players want to play in.”

Kick-off is 3pm.