Richmond v Doncaster Knights - Steve Boden prepared for ‘different challenge’

The South Yorkshire club lost their 100 per cent winning record when falling to Saracens last weekend but they aim to quickly start a new run this afternoon.

Part-timers Richmond are the polar opposite of the former European champions but they have caused difficulties for opponents in the Championship this term, not least Jersey who they defeated 23-15 following an impressive performance.

Boden said: “The biggest thing is the players have got to come up with is the reasons why it’s important this weekend.

“I’m pretty sure they will do that; they are a good group.

“There’s the emotional high of playing that (Saracens) side but it (Richmond) is a different challenge because they haven’t got seven British and Irish Lions.

“It’s a hell of a challenge in front of us, though; we’re travelling on the day and they are a very dangerous side.

“The coaching staff down there do a tremendous job. They have a team unity which is obvious to see and they are playing some good stuff with the ball. They are quite unpredictable.”

Boden makes six changes to the side that lost 50-15 to Saracens, including hooker Will Holling making a first start of the season, Gaz Denman returning at tighthead and Matt Smith coming in at lock for Jerry Sexton. Winger Howard Packman also starts.