Confidence high among Titans ahead of clash with Bristol

Back in charge after three years away, the South African's goal is to make the Titans a force once more in English rugby's second tier and he reckons he has the players to do it.

Rotherham had to go through the relegation play-offs last season to preserve their Championship status but this time Bester has set his sights on a top-eight finish and a ticket to the promotion play-offs.

He reckons it will take time before his promising young side hits full stride but insists that Rotherham have the ability to be where they want to be come the business end of the season..

He said: "Potentially this is the best squad I have had here. We are very ambitious but we are also realistic.

"It always takes me a few months to get the side how I want it to be.

"We believe we can be in the top eight and ideally the top four but it is important to remember that nothing is won or lost this side of Christmas.

"A few years ago we turned around at Christmas in ninth and finished fourth.

"We have a young team in the process of development and it will not be in its prime until we get to the festive period.

"Our second row and two flankers are all 21-years-old. There's a good blend of youth and experience in the team but the critical thing is keeping the squad healthy.

"Once you get to the play-offs, as we've seen throughout the world and with Exeter beating Bristol in the final last year, anything can happen."

Bester declined to reveal his starting line-up, save that Bedford will skipper the side.

Second row John Harlock, flanker Sean Dougall and winger Jonny Hampsey will all miss out through injury.

Kick-off on Sunday is 3pm.