Strong start key for Worthing at Taunton

Taunton sit fifth in the National 2 South table but suffered a 50-21 defeat away to Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday, while Raiders go into the game on the back of a 9-7 reverse at Barnstaple.

Coulson said: “Unusually we have back-to-back away matches which isn’t ideal but these anomalies do happen.

“It’s a trip to another side looking to rebound from a heavy defeat the previous week – we shouldn’t be shocked in what the first 15 minutes will be like.

“If we start well, get the home support doubting their team then we’ll definitely have the upper hand and negativity may creep in for Taunton.

“We’re keen to right the wrongs and continue to develop upon prior learning. We see Taunton as another chance to challenge ourselves against some of the best players in the league playing in one of the best teams.

“They’ve got themselves in the top five and we are relishing the opportunity to get back into it.”

On Saturday’s defeat at Barnstaple, Coulson said: “While we are all disappointed in the result, there were more signs of progress.

“We didn’t concede a try and we improved upon a number of areas from previous weeks. This was the basis of us gaining the first away bonus point of the season. It’s always good to pick up bonus points, be it from tries or losing within seven, so a point on the road was some comfort.”

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