Rotation policy seen as solution to avoiding burnout, says Bester

Rotherham Titans have lost their last two games and while their head coach is not one to reach for panic buttons he does not want negativity festering over to the play-offs.

Ahead of the visit of Moseley today, Bester said: “Everything in this Championship season comes down to fine margins.

“All the teams have had little wobbles.

“In our case it’s probably a little bit of overkill for five or six players.

“I want to keep them fresh and also freshen up the squad by injecting a little energy into them.”

Leeds Carnegie coach Diccon Edwards has been forced to make several changes to his starting line-up to face Plymouth Albion.

The return of Jordan Davies and Will Cliff to Sale Sharks sees Scott Barrow and Robbie Shaw come into the back line. George Ford’s return to Leicester Tigers sees older brother Joe come in at fly half.

Mike MacDonald is ruled out with a wrist injury so Gareth Denman comes in at loose head prop while Scott Freer comes in for Phil Nilsen at hooker.

“We have to have competition for places,” said Edwards.

“We spoke about when the loan players came in earlier in the season that they were adding competition so they had to earn their spots in the team and if they weren’t performing they weren’t going to get picked.

“Now is the opportunity for those players who haven’t played over the last few weeks to step up and show why they should be starting.”

Doncaster Knights head to Nottingham tomorrow looking to back up their excellent performance over second-place Bedford last week.

Head coach Brett Davey said: “If we win tomorrow it virtually guarantees us top eight which will give us the opportunity to rest a few players.”