Ian Smith tells Moseley: Beware wounded Knights
Dec 18 2009 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail
IAN Smith has warned his men not to be fooled by Doncaster’s lowly league position as Moseley travel north tomorrow looking for a first ever win at Castle Park.
The Knights sit fourth from bottom of the Championship and occupy the last relegation play-off spot after a disappointing start to the season.
But they are only a point behind Moseley and given the fact Smith’s side have not won in their last five outings, tomorrow’s clash is one that could be an indicator as to the fate of these two teams.
Indeed, it is the first of three games Moseley play against the sides around them in the bottom half of the division and one they have already conceded they need to take something from.
To help them do that they are boosted by the return of James Rodwell, who is back after three weeks away playing for England Sevens, but he faces a challenge from Ryan Wilson and Chevvy Pennycook for the No.8 shirt.
Loosehead Nathan Williams has also returned, having recovered from a back problem, and Moseley will need the Welshman to be at his best as they face one of the best set-pieces in the division.
“They are a very physical and intimidating team,” said head coach Smith.
“The way they defend, and especially in their scrum, they show a lot of intent.
“We will have to match that, which will be difficult in their own backyard.
“But while it is something we have not done before, it is something we have come close to doing in the past and if we go there and are positive we can certainly get a result.”
Smith’s confidence is based on his team’s best performance for six weeks in last Sunday’s defeat at Nottingham.
Although Mose didn’t score a try, they opened their hosts up on several occasions and will hope to do likewise this weekend.
“Some of the opportunities we created were very good, we just needed that accuracy and communication to make the most of them,’’ said Smith.
“But this is a difficult division where the defences are well organised and know what they are doing so you have to make sure you take what opportunities you get – which last week we did not do.”
