SEB Reynolds admitted he has not been surprised by Rotherham Titans’ superb start to the National One season as his side head to Clifton Lane tomorrow (2pm).

The Yorkshiremen sit third in the table having won eight of their 10 matches to date, defeat only coming in the final play at Sale and following a rare first-half blip against Bishop’s Stortford.

The latter result ended an extraordinary 19-match winning home run, while Championship-winning Director of Rugby Harvey Biljoen’s men have triumphed in 39 of their past 42 games.

And with this in mind, Seb explained: “They’re doing some very good stuff and I like it – they’ve got good foundations in their game with the scrum, maul and kicking game all going well.

“You’ve got to respect that because the foundations of rugby don’t change, and Rotherham are a team who are sticking to that policy.

“Harvey’s clearly doing a great job, they’re having a fantastic season and are up there for a reason.”

He continued: “The way they chased down Leeds last season was impressive and when you have a promotion, a bit like us when we came up into National One, you’re used to winning matches.

“Nothing’s changed for them other than they’ve improved the side, and it doesn’t surprise us they’re near the top of the table.”

Having been National Two North’s top point-scorer during Titans’ title triumph last term, outside centre Lloyd Hayes is currently on track to follow up a level higher, his two tries, 32 conversions and 21 penalties giving him a fine haul of 137 to date.

With wet weather on the cards, the head coach commented on Hayes and what promises to be a lively atmosphere.

He said: “When you’ve got someone of his quality knocking over the points, you must make sure you don’t allow him the opportunity.

“You can’t be surprised if rain arrives – it’s the English rugby season and you’re going to get it at some point.

“More importantly I’m excited about going back to Rotherham because when we went there in our first year, I absolutely loved it.

“They bring fantastic support, very loud, and both sets of players enjoy that.”

Following last week’s superb 33-14 success against a strong Blackheath side, Rams make only two changes to their squad, Axel Kalling-Smith back in place of the injured Luke Graham and Jake Murray on the bench as scrum-half cover.

And Seb concluded: “Axel’s gone away and done his thing as he normally does for Sweden, they’re doing well in their championship but it’s great to have him back on the wing.

“Solo (Radianirova) retains his spot at 13 after a very solid performance last time out, and Jake’s been away with Harlequins but it’s great for him to be able to come back and get some game time with us.

“He’s been fantastic and settled into the group so well.”