Exiles wary of Rotherham threat

London Irish believe Powergen Cup quarter-final opponents Rotherham will be “out to prove a point” in tomorrow’s clash at the Madejski Stadium.

The Yorkshire club are currently battling for National League One title glory, but English rugby’s promotion/relegation debate continues to rage.

Rotherham were denied Zurich Premiership status last season because they failed to meet top-flight entry criteria.

Provided there are no hitches this term, the National League One champions should go up, and Rotherham have an ideal chance to display their credentials this weekend.

“It is going to be a very difficult game because Rotherham have got nothing to lose, whereas we have,” said Irish technical coach Gary Gold.

“They are also out to prove a point with the whole debate over relegation and promotion at the moment.”

Rotherham produced a superb display to eliminate sixth round opponents Bristol Shoguns last month, Mike Schmid, Matt Oliver and Michael Wood scoring tries in a 24-19 Memorial Stadium success.

And that performance was not lost on cup holders Irish, with Gold adding: “After their win over Bristol, Rotherham will be very confident that they can turn us over.

“The other problem is that they are a very good team. They are a well-coached and well-organised side with some very professional players. They’ve got at least a dozen players who can play Premiership rugby.”

London Irish make four changes from the side that defeated Heineken Cup opponents Toulouse last Sunday, calling up Michael Horak on the wing, prop Simon Halford, lock Nick Kennedy and flanker Declan Danaher.

Injuries have denied them the services of wing Justin Bishop (dislocated finger) and scrum-half Darren Edwards (dislocated shoulder), while Rotherham must soldier on without skipper Chris Johnson, who has undergone knee surgery.

Rotherham have received two back-row fitness boosts though, with flanker Leon Greef returning from injury and player/coach Schmid passed fit following initial fears he had fractured an eye socket during last weekend’s league game against Manchester.

“I know that it sounds a cliche, but a game like this one is what the magic of the cup is all about,” said Rotherham chief executive Jim Kilfoyle.

“We know that we shouldn’t win, but we knew we shouldn’t have won against Bristol, so anything can happen. We will be giving it our best shot.”