Roth v Newbury Preview

Added to the 22 are Errie Claasens and WP Strauss in the backs and Jannie Bornman and Chris Hala’ufia in the forwards.

Utility forward Bornman makes his first appearance in the 22 after flying in earlier this week from South Africa. Bornman returns after completing his Currie Cup duties with the Griquas, although he is not expected to make the starting 15.

The back row should be strengthened with the return of Chris Hala’ufia after completing his three match ban. The big Tongan international needs to make sure that he channels his aggression in the right areas, if Rotherham are to see the best of him.

WP Strauss comes back into the squad after missing the last four games and there’s a return for Errie Claasens, he too has missed Roth’s last 3 matches.

It promises to be a high scoring and entertaining encounter, Newbury are the leading point’s scorers in the division. In their last three games they have scored 42, 52 and 38 points respectively.

Their two top try scorers, Cracknell (5) and Damu Damu (4) are both flankers, which suggests Newbury may play a forwards orientated game. Fly Half Blair Feeney has amassed 91 points already this season and with a strike rate of over 85%, he’s sure to be a threat with the boot.

It will be interesting to see how Roth bounce back this week after the defeat away at Bedford. But if Roth are serious about finishing in the top 4, then these sort of games are a must win!

Roth Admin Prediction: Roth by 5

Roth Squad to face Newbury in alphabetical order.

Backs: Bedford, Blackett (Capt.), Carter, Claasens, Kirkwood, L Strauss, Mitchell, Strettle, Whitehead, WP Strauss.

Forwards: Bornman, Carey , Cochrane, Conroy, Donald, Golding, Hala'Ufia, Hanna, Hopcroft, McComb, McGowan, Rawson.

How both sides have fared so far this season