Rotherham Titans 20 Ayr 20: All eyes on Nottingham with new signing James set to make his Rotherham debut

The televised game, a rare event in the Championship, may see the league debut of Sale Sharks fly-half Matty James, who is on loan for six months.

The 24 year old New Zealander made his first appearance for his new club in the Cup, kicking a conversion and a penalty. James was made to feel more at ease on his debut because he played alongside his brother Simeon, a centre, and he clearly has the potential to make an impact at this level, even if he does admit to feeling a little ring rusty.

If Rotherham, chasing a third consecutive win in the Championship tomorrow, cause an upset it will further boost their ambition to reach the play offs.

One major obstacle who will test Rotherham's young side is Ali Williams, the distinguished All Black, capped 61 times by New Zealand in the second row.

Nottingham, fifth in the league, will face a much stronger Rotherham team than was selected to take on the Scottish Premiership side.

Sensibly, coach Andre Bester chose to rest his first-team regulars and the reserves performed satisfactorily, scoring three tries against Ayr.

Two of them were scored by 19-year-old winger Will du Randt.

The third Titans' try in a close contest against opponents who included Scotland flanker John Beattie, was scored by full-back Peter Swatkins, sprinting more than 50 metres to touch down.

Ayr, also scored three tries, and should have won in injury time when they were awarded a penalty, but their goal-kicker, full back Grant Anderson, once again sliced his attempt.