By Brandon Reeves
On the back of a hard-fought win over Stourbridge last week, Huddersfield travel to the East Midlands in search of a first win at South Leicester’s Welford Road on Saturday.
Since South’s promotion and consolidation of their National 2 North place, Huddersfield’s two visits have been defeats, both times South scored at least forty points.
But Gareth Lewis’ men are looking to change that. They had another away day duck to break when they went to Macclesfield earlier in the season and came back with the win, this is a team with confidence to get the job done.
South on the other hand are facing a battle in their centenary year as they currently sit in the bottom three on just three wins this season. The last of which was six games ago against bottom side Peterborough Lions.
While the hosts are struggling third from bottom, Field are third from the league’s summit after their impressive campaign thus far.
Following a defeat at the league’s leaders, they showed good character and bounced back to stay in the top 2 conversation, trailing Chester by just four points.
And with some big matches coming up, the Head Coach has seen fit to rest a few faces.
“The big games will come thick and fast over the next month, so it is important we use the squad depth.
“The squad we have for Saturday is very strong and I expect the lads to make the most of the opportunities.
“There is absolutely zero complacency, we are extremely motivated and aiming to win at Welford Road for the first time.”
Some of those names to be rested are the likes of Front rowers Harry Whitfield and Fran Entressengle.
Vice-captain Lewis Bradley, Lewis workman and Jack Maplesden drop to the bench and could potentially see their freshness pay dividends late on in the South match or indeed at home to Chester next weekend.
James Davies comes in at centre next to Will Milner, and Joe Green is in at Scrum half.
The forward pack remains strong despite changes with versatile Ross Thornton set to come in at hooker.
Guy Borrowdale is in at lock with Matt Dunn, and Nick Sharpe shuffles back to the back row alongside Liam Parfitt.
Lewis says his side are in good shape going in to the weekend.
“It’s been another good week’s training after a very physical battle against Stourbridge.
“As a group we’ve identified some key areas to improve on and we are looking for a good performance this weekend.”
Huddersfield XV: Tom Hodson, Kian Stewart, James Davies, Will Milner, Elliot Knight, Chris Johnson, Joe Green; Reuben Pollard, Ross Thornton, Alex Battye, Matt Dunn, Guy Borrowdale, Nick Sharpe, Liam Parfitt, Dickie Piper(C).
Replacements: Adam Blades, Mark Chivers, Lewis Bradley, Jack Maplesden, Lewis Workman
