WORCESTER look set to lose pole position in the race for promotion on Saturday. For John Brain, though, the match between Bedford and Rotherham will not be a decisive one.

The Sixways director of rugby has already targeted the 160 minutes of rugby that may well decide who wins the National One title this season.

Rotherham's trips to Worcester and then Orrell next month are the ones to watch.

Rotherham will take over at the top on Saturday if they win at Goldington Road but with Worcester having by far the easier run-in of the two, this title race looks set to go down to the wire should the Warriors come out on top in the April 12 showdown at Sixways.

Certainly, Brain believes it is all to play for as Worcester prepare for the final push this season.

"I think it would be very dangerous to write us off," he said.

"I expect Rotherham to win at Bedford on Saturday. I don't think it will be easy for them but I expect them to win. If they drop the bonus point, that would be a nice bonus.

"They will go top after Saturday and, after that, I would expect them to still be top when they come to Sixways next month. Out of their games left I would say that, obviously, their trip to us will be vital but then they have to travel to Orrell and, after Saturday's result, I think Orrell will more than fancy their chances."

Orrell knocked Rotherham out of the Powergen Shield at the weekend with a 24-22 victory at Millmoor, ending the South Yorkshire's side long unbeaten home run. And for Brain that result, with Rotherham still to face Orrell at Edge Hall Lane next month, was an important one.

"It was a significant result," he added. "I don't think Rotherham wanted to lose the match, Powergen Shield or not. They were 19-3 ahead in the game but Orrell still came back and won in their back yard. It underlines that Orrell are the form team in the division, they are a dangerous side. We almost beat them last month but just got pipped at the death. But it shows that when Rotherham visit Edge Hall Lane, after the game with us, Orrell will expect to win the match."

With Worcester having Saturday off, the players and coaches are enjoying some much needed time off this week. It is a vital time for injured players to get over their niggles and for everyone to recharge the batteries before the final six games of the season. The break has enabled everyone to reflect on the season so far and, despite Saturday's Powergen Shield blip against Exeter, Brain is confident Worcester will last the pace.

"We would be expected to take maximum points from five out of our six remaining games," he said. "Then we have to beat Rotherham which we are confident of doing. That match stands out like a beacon and is the one which will attract a lot of attention. Looking through the two side's run-ins though, I think 119 points will be enough for us this season.

"I would expect Rotherham to win at Exeter so I think they will arrive at Sixways next month as unbeaten leaders. They might possibly drop a point at the County Ground but I still feel they will win there."

Worcester have led the National One table for so long now, the mental approach might change slightly post Saturday. Brain, though, believes that the Worcester squad simply have to keep the faith.

"We have to believe in ourselves," he added. "We are looking at a season now which comprises six games. If we can take 29 points from six games then we've every chance of winning promotion. That's the way we've got to look at it. We've got to clear all the clutter, indecision and hesitation out and just get on and play positively. We've got to go for it now, take it to these teams and finish the season strongly. That's what we did last season.

"It's a positive time for Worcester. We've got a lot of players coming back from injuries and apart from three, we are hopeful of having a fully fit squad to choose from next Saturday for the Plymouth match.

"Whichever way you look at it, we've had a good season so far. We don't intend on throwing all that good work away now."