Seven changes sees Titans get offensive

RUGBY UNION: Rotherham Titans’ head coach Alex Codling insists his side have not given up hope of progressing in the British & Irish Cup, despite knowing they will need a win at holders Munster tonight.

The South Yorkshire club head to Cork knowing full well what their hosts are capable of having lost to them 36-21 at Clifton Lane only on Saturday.

That now makes qualification difficult but Codling – who makes seven changes to his starting line-up – is undaunted especially as his side only trailed 15-14 at the break.

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“We’ve lost our control over Pool 7 and as a result we are going to go over there and give it a real go,” he said.

“We’ve selected a strong side and our aim is to be adventurous in our approach.

“We know Munster are a very good side and as holders of the trophy they are keen to retain it.

“However, we believe we are a good team too and I want the boys to go over there and do themselves justice.

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“There’s no pressure on us at all, because no one outside of our camp believes we can go there and get the result.

“But it won’t be for a lack of effort if we don’t.”

Centres Eamonn Sheridan and Lee Blackett both return from injury to link up in midfield, while Charlie Mulchrone is preferred at scrum-half, replacing the impressive Jimmy Williams, who has a place on the bench.

Up front, Codling has freshened up his props with Jamie Kilbane and Ross Davies coming back in at loosehead and tighthead respectively, while second-row Dan Sanderson returns as does blindside Alex Rieder after recovering from tonsillitis.

New signing Ben Thomas, the ex-London Scottish second-row, is likely to make his bow when Rotherham return to Championship action.