Greene King IPA Championship Play Off Preview – This weekend marks the start of the business end of the Championship season with the start of the play offs. Bristol and Worcester are there as expected, and are joined by Rotheram Titans and London Scottish.
Bristol Rugby vs Rotherham Titans – Saturday 02 May, KO 13:30
A repeat of last year’s semi-final, Bristol will be looking for the same result as last year as these two face up again with the stakes arguably higher for the West Country side. Both teams come into the game unbeaten in their last three and will look to carry their momentum forward, consequently both teams are in good form and the game is set up to be a thrilling encounter. Bristol could potentially be in even higher spirits due to their away win at promotion rivals Worcester Warriors on the weekend and with the home advantage first up, but Andy Robinson will be sure to keep his men grounded.
Rotherham have always proved a tough test for Bristol and when the teams have met this season on both occasions it has been a tight contest. Although Bristol have come away with both the wins this season, they will know that will count for nothing as this is now knock out rugby.
With Lee Blackett leaving the Titans in the summer to join the back room staff at Wasps, the young coach will want to leave on a high note in what has been an admirable stint at the helm. Regarded as one of the most exciting young coaches in the game, it will be interesting to see if he can pull off one of the greatest results in the clubs history on the weekend and the game thereafter.
London Scottish vs Worcester Warriors – Saturday 02 May, KO 13:45
This game marks London Scottish’s maiden appearance in the Championship play offs after a remarkable season. Worcester come into the game off of a psychologically damaging defeat to Bristol at the weekend, but Dean Ryan and his men will see this game as a perfect opportunity to make amends. Worcester come into the game with two wins and one defeat in their last three as mentioned before. London Scottish on the other hand come into the game off the back of two considerable defeats in their last three, therefore this could potentially be a cause for concern. However, Mike Friday and his coaching staff will have no trouble in psyching his boys up for this one.
On the two occasions the two teams have met this season, Worcester have emerged on top on both occasions. However, London Scottish will want to change this and will be sure to take advantage of being at home first up. Dean Ryan has emphasised that their league position was irrelevant and this block of games is all that matters, now the team has to prove it.
Regardless of the result it is a fantastic achievement for London Scottish to make the play offs, and no doubt the team will make the most of it. Worcester will be gunning for them, in the hope that this win will put them a step closer to a potential immediate return to the top flight.
The time for talking is almost over. All four teams must now perform on the pitch and many rugby fans, including myself, are immensely looking forward to the weekend and the whole of the play off process.
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