Round 9: Plymouth Albion V Rams

Can Albion make it nine in a row? We look forward to the next challenge in the form of Rams who visit The Brickfields this Saturday.

Preview

Rams come to us having had a poor season so far, with 2 wins and a draw, leaving them just above the relegation places in 10th. They should have won last weekend but let slip a 16 point lead over Leeds, ultimately losing to a late try by Leeds. They have yet to win on the road, and their best result this season was in overcoming 6th placed Roslyn Park.

Meanwhile, despite the away win, Albion will be looking for a more cohesive performance and cut out the errors that featured in last weekend's match against Bishop's Stortford.

Historically a difficult team for Albion (Rams lead 6-5 in meetings between the sides), the previous three encounters have been dominated by Albion with last season's fixture seeing Albion chalking up 60 points to Rams 26.

Scoring Analysis

To date Rams have scored 34 tries, 4.25 per game (Albion have 66) with the pack claiming a little over half. Of these the tries are spread throughout the pack, suggesting they score most tries following the breakdown. Amongst the backs almost all the tries are scored by the wingers. Notably they have only converted 55% of their tries Albion 75%). They haven't scored any penalties.

In Defence Rams have conceded 42 tries, at 5.25 per game, this time with the backs conceding a little over half. It appears that the forwards may be adept at stopping the catch and drive but may be vulnerable to pick and go tactics. The defensive line may offer opportunities at any location, but show particular weaknesses from a quick thinking scrum half.      

Rams will be seeking to keep the ball close and frustrate Albion by maintaining possession amongst the pack, they will be patient will spin the ball out wide when the appropriate opportunity presents. Albion will look move the ball around and open up the back line. The forwards will fight for every ball, particularly in lineouts but need to be on their toes to guard against the pick and go. A key period of the game may the 20 minutes after half time, the period where Rams can up the tempo.

Player to watch

Dan Swain - The Former Albion player (2017-2020) had an impressive 80 minutes last weekend returning from injury in for his first game of the season. 

Referee/Cards

The referee will once again be Alex Powdrell. At 2.3 cards per game Mr Powell has been the most proliferate in NL1 this season. He has already officiated for 2 of Albion's matches, Firstly at Camborne, where 2 cards went to Camborne, and again against Cambridge, who collected 3. Of more concern to Rams is he reffed their game against Leeds giving the home side two yellows - it appears that high tackles were an issue for Rams in that match.   

Weather

Dry with sunny spells, although there is 30% chance of rain. A light air will blow from the Southwest. 

Prediction

A comfortable win for Albion though Rams could push for a TBP.

Other games of note: 

Camborne (3rd) v Bishops Stortford (9th} - The Blues visit 'Town' after taking a point off Albion. They may be in with a chance if they bring the same attitude to the game.

Leeds Tykes (4th) v Birmingham Moseley (8th} - Mosely, bouyed by their success against TJs last weekend will be looking for their first away win.  

Tonbridge Juddians (2nd) v Bury St Edmunds (11th} - TJs get an almost certain 'pass' against BSE, a comfortable fixture to get things back on track after the Mose loss. Nothing's guaranteed though.