Rotherham Titans 20 London Welsh 21: Tauluava return looking crucial

After consecutive defeats, success in Saturday’s game against Moseley is essential for Rotherham, who threw away a 20-10 lead at half-time and consequently lost their unbeaten record in the league at Clifton Lane.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jan 2012, 10:02 BST

With powerful No 8 Semisi Taluava returning from injury against Moseley, Rotherham’s forwards are unlikely to be outplayed again as they were by London Welsh during a second half surprisingly dictated by the visitors.

Before Rotherham’s authority collapsed, they established a match-winning position with a try from prop Rob O’Donnell and the award of a penalty try.

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In between these scores, a blunder by Rotherham’s top try scorer, forward Robin Copeland, proved to be extremely costly.

The Irishman, having smashed through the opposition’s defence, knocked on as he was about to score.

Collectively, the pack failed badly after the interval; London Welsh’s forwards, not least Ed Jackson, outfought Rotherham’s.

Welsh starved Rotherham of any ball and added a second try. With full-back Alex Davies kicking two penalties, Welsh’s unexpected recovery, against the wind, transformed the contest.

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Rotherham Titans: Foden, Homan (Nonu 60), McCall, Hodgson, Monahan, Law, Williams, Kilbane (Cahill 61), Stagg (Baines 49), O’Donnell, Maddison, Dickinson, Kirwan (Griffiths 70), Dougall, Copeland.

London Welsh: Davies, Gibson (Hurrell 65), Tonga’uiha, J Lewis, Ajuwa, Ross, R Lewis, French, Nelson, Pittman, Corker, Purdy, Beach, Denbee, Jackson.

Referee: M Tutty.

Related topics:Rotherham