TAUNTON Titans head coach Tony Yapp has warned his side to expect a thorough examination of their promotion credentials as they head to newly-promoted Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday.

The hosts won National 3 Midlands last season and have been competitive in each of their opening three matches at a higher level.

Looking ahead to the clash, Yapp told the County Gazette: “I have played there plenty of times - they used to be a solid Championship side.

“I’ve seen videos of them and their results so far have been solid - they may have lost two from three, but both defeats were by fewer than seven points away at good sides.

“I think in general it will be a more open league this year - already everyone seems to be beating everyone else.

“Last season Chinnor and Cinderford raced ahead and the rest of us were left to fight it out, but this year looks like it will be different.

“We will hope to keep ticking over quietly and winning enough games to stay up there in contention.”

Julian Salvi, who made his debut in last Friday's 36-13 derby win over Clifton at the Commsplus Stadium, is unavailable and set to be replaced by the returning Ratu Vakalutukali.

On Salvi, Yapp said: “Jules has been brilliant since he has come in.

“He has thrown himself into training, he gets stuck in and he was excited to get out there on Friday.

“It was a massive lift for a lot of our lads to be playing alongside him and he led by example.

“We toyed with taking him off for the last 10 minutes but, as we haven’t got his services this weekend, we thought we would give him the full game.”

Young winger Oscar Kolowski, who has scored four tries in three games, is also set to be part of Saturday’s squad.

“Oscar is at Blundell’s and has really taken his chance with us,” Yapp said.

“Initially, I thought he would just be with us for the first game as a bit of a taster while Aron Struminski was unavailable, but he’s earned his spot since then. It has not just been his tries, he has been solid in defence too.”

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ELSEWHERE this weekend, Wellington travel to Kingsbridge in Western Counties West and Wiveliscombe head to Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset Premier.

Minehead Barbarians are also on the road, with Imperial the venue for their Somerset Premier clash, while Bridgwater & Albion and North Petherton face away matches at Devonport and Lydney respectively in South West One (W).

Those looking for a local rugby fix on Saturday could take in the Somerset One clash between North Petherton 2nds and Keynsham.