AFTER rising to the challenge last weekend at Old Elthamians, the Titans will have to do the same again on Saturday when they take on Canterbury at Hyde Park (ko 3pm), writes Keith Brooking.

Taunton claimed a 22-16 victory last time out, Gary Kingdom scoring a late try to claim the win and bonus point.

Canterbury currently sit two places below the Titans in seventh spot with a game in hand, and will come out all guns blazing to avenge their 25-22 defeat in October, in which Dan Frost scored the winning try – his third of the game – five minutes from time.

Canterbury are a big abrasive side who know their way to the try-line, so the Titans’ defence will have to be as strong and organised as they were last Saturday to end their poor run at home – having not won at Hyde Park since November.

The Titans are often their own worst enemies, putting in average performances after a big result in the previous game.

After the Canterbury game in October – the first time they had ever won at the ground – the Titans put in a poor performance against Clifton.

With a few players taking knocks last time out, the coaches may need to change a few things around and, with Oli Massy-Birch coming off the bench last weekend, it gives them a few more options.

One player on a fine run of form is back row Ratu Vakalutukali, who claimed some satisfaction on Saturday with a try, having previously been sent off against Old Elthamians after just seven seconds.

Reflecting on the win over Old Elthamians, head coach Tony Yapp said: "This game for us wasn’t so much about the tactics and game plan, although we obviously touched on it, it was all about our attitude and our desire to right the wrongs from the game earlier in the season, and put in a committed performance that would show everyone that the previous game wasn’t a fair reflection of a Titans side.

"I think I’m right in saying we achieved our goal and more on Saturday, and put in a performance we can all be happy with.

"This was a great win for us on the road and I think I can speak for both Chris [Brown, forwards coach] and myself that we have never been prouder of a group of Taunton players."