Sheffield RUFC 1st XV vs. Derby RFC 1st XV - Match Preview

Sheffield welcome Derby to Abbeydale this weekend, looking to build on the momentum earned following a hard-fought win over Burton last week.

Away wins are always tough to come by and there was no exception, as Andy Hodgson crashed over to give Sheffield a last-minute 30-36 victory.

This was just what Adam Byron’s men would have wanted, following the disappointment of the 16-21 home loss to Broadstreet prior to Christmas, and means Sheff have won eight of their last ten outings.

In contrast, Derby have won just three of the last ten, with five wins in total this season. Their solitary away win a 29-39 defeat of strugglers Syston.
They will arrive at Abbeydale with confidence, however, as they ran out 38-12 winners over Sheffield when the two sides faced off early in the season.

This came at a time when Sheff were struggling with away form, however, in a period where they did not win in four away fixtures, whilst maintaining a 100% home record.
Sheffield now look a completely different team, with a solid set-piece and the ability to score points. They have continued to maintain an exceptional defensive along with the improvements in attack though, conceding just 64 points across nine home games, at an average of 7 points per game.

Derby have, however, scored more than half of their points away from home. Having been involved in some high scoring encounters.

This one should be quite a battle. A staunch defensive coming up against a free-flowing and ambitious attack. Sheffield will be confident of improving their record but also wary of a capable outfit.

We look forward to welcoming you all to Abbeydale for the first time in 2019.

Updated 06:59 - 30 Aug 2019 by Roger Keegan