Semesa Rokoduguni discusses Knights current form and previews Chinnor (A)
5th December 2024
Semesa Rokoduguni shares his feelings on where the Knights currently are and reflects on the preperations heading into this weekend’s fixture against Chinnor.
Rokoduguni joined Doncaster Knights at the start of the season, he explained how he has found his time here so far: “It was exciting, to be honest. When I started with the club, I saw the boys training and how excited we were, with training and the intentions of being a better team out there. It was exciting and it’s been fantastic for me.”
The Knights triumphed over Cambridge in round six of the Championship, beating them 52-17. Rokoduguni said: “It was very important because it’s kind of set the standards for us. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season. At the beginning we won the first game, then we lost a few on the bounce, and we haven’t really got a rhythm yet. But, to get two wins on the bounce like that, it sets us up going forward, as a team, so it was very important for us.”
The winger explained how the Premiership Cup was a great challenge to help build the team before returning to the Championship. “Those two games , Sharks and Newcastle, they were a good test for us to see where we’re at with pretty much every part of our game. The kick and chase, the discipline and all that. We put a good performance against Sharks, and they got the win towards the end.”
“It showed us that, from where we started off at the beginning of the season, to where we are right now, we are improving. So I think, if we can take that, this week, to Chinnor, then the result will take care of itself.”
Chinnor are new to the Championship this season, and it is a ground that the Knights have never visited before. Rokoduguni said: “Every week is a test, so again, from last week we’ll take the learnings from that. There’s a lot of room for improvement. And the boys have used this past couple of days to train and practice what we will get from Chinnor this week. The boys are looking forward to it, it’s going to be a very good test.”
Rokoduguni has a breadth of experience under his belt, including 194 Bath Rugby caps, where he scored 71 tries. He explained how his experience helps the team: “There are a lot of young boys here that are really eager to learn. So, me and a few boys out there who have come from Premiership sides and are now playing with the boys. It helps the boys to put a decent performance out there which is best for the team.”
“If we can also bring our individual games up to standard, it’s going to get us through the game and it’ll be perfect for the team.”
Roko explained how the away fans who are travelling down to Chinnor will have a positive impact on the squad: “Fans are always, massive for us. The support from them being there is actually going to give us an extra boost that we need to put the performance in.”
“It means a lot. Thank you for all the fans following us, it means a lot. We will make sure that we will put out a decent performance this week.”
Doncaster Knights kick off in Chinnor at 3pm on Saturday. They then return to Castle Park the following week as we host Caldy at home. To secure tickets for this festive fixture, click here.
