Local pride should see tough battle for Knights and Titans

But, with plenty of local pride at stake – each side has claimed a victory in this season's Championship matches between the two – there should no shortage of effort.

Doncaster, approaching their visit to Clifton Lane for the last match in what has been a gruelling schedule of nine games in 28 days, secured a semi-final slot with Wednesday night's

24-11 victory at Pontypridd and remain unbeaten in the competition.

While making 12 changes to his side for today's derby, Lynn Howells can still boast a strong line-up but admits that he has made his changes with one eye already looking ahead to next weekend's Championship clash with Plymouth Albion.

A win for Knights next weekend at Castle Park would not only strengthen their place in the end-of-season play-offs but could also provide a shot in the arm for today's opponents, who currently sit 10th.

Howells picks a line-up full of former Titans, including Anthony Carter, Chris Hallam and Glen Kenworthy. He also gives a first start after injury to second rower Dan Smith.

Another former Titan, Neil Cochrane, also makes the game after his injury at Bedford while the Doncaster-born trio of Lowcock, Davies and Cusack start in the pack.

"We've been slightly fortunate in that we've been able to shuffle the pack quite regularly to get us through this hectic period," said Howells.

"It's still a strong side weare putting out. I'm a firm believer that if you enter any compeitition – no matter what it is – you have to give it your best shot by playing your strongest side and we've been doing that."

Rotherham coach Craig West has picked a more or less full-strength team with Jonny West and Tom Allen start at scrum-half and fly-half, while PJ Gidlow and Kevin Maggs re-establish their partnership in the centre.

In National One, Otley look to close the gap on Cinderford but will struggle for victory at third-placed Launceston, while Wharfedale could move up to fourth in the table with victory at Tynedale.