Harvey Biljon hails Rotherham Titans' dedication to preparation in pursuit of promotion
‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ is a mantra that Harvey Biljon could wear on a sandwich board and parade around Clifton Lane he lives by it so vehemently, but it has served the Rotherham Titans director of rugby well as they close in on a second promotion in three years.
The last-gasp victory over second-placed Plymouth Albion two weeks ago was further evidence to support his theory of preparation.
“On the Thursday before in training we ran a 9-all scenario, challenging the players, how do we find a way to win?” said the South African. “We showed them some footage from earlier in the season where we were down by a point with a minute to go and had to win a lineout and take the ball into the 22 to create the chance for Lloyd Hayes to kick the game-winning kick. And that scenario came to pass against Plymouth.
“The scenario and preparation was on point. We prep them according to different oppositions. It’s not always going to come off but in a big game scenario if they can fall back to what they’ve done at training it helps them go and win in the game.”
That last-gasp victory over Plymouth could prove crucial in deciding which club wins the National One title and claims the one promotion spot to Champ Rugby.
With three games to go, Rotherham have a four-point lead over Plymouth and Blackheath. Each team can still win 15 points, meaning any slip-ups will be punished.
As ever, Biljon is refusing to look into the future. “Anything can still happen, all we can focus on is training sessions and into Saturday, and make sure we put in a performance on Saturday,” said Biljon, whose Titans welcome sixth-placed Rams to Clifton Lane.
“To date, preparations have been on point and we will continue to make sure that is the formula.
“And I cannot applaud the squad enough for the way they have prepped the 20 that’s gone out every week. From that point of view they’ve been exceptional.
“We’ve got the Clifton Lane effect at the minute with our supporters playing a big part for us, so let’s focus on putting on a performance for them.”
Leeds Tykes can secure their National One status with a win over Birmingham Moseley.