Newly-crowned champions Neath, searching for their second silverware of the season, entertain Pontypridd at The Gnoll this eveing in the new Principality Premiership Play-Off Championship (KO 7.15pm).
The Welsh All Blacks ended their highly successful League campaign that produced a remarkable fifth championship title in 6 years with a 48-21 win at Ebbw Vale last Tuesday.
But now they turn their attentions to a completely new competition and chairman Geraint Hawkes says that, “The Club wishes to repay the loyalty of the wonderful Neath supporters many of whom regularly follow the team on the road so season ticket holders can gain admission for just £5.”
After making 15 changes for the Ebbw Vale game, Neath return largely to the side which beat Bedwas by a League record 109-21. Only four changes are made from the side which started that game with Alec Jenkins, Anthony Lott, Ashleigh James and Steve Tandy coming in. Fit-again speedster David Evans is expected to take a place on a strong replacements’ bench.
Head Coach Patrick Horgan said: “Having put the League championship to bed, we can’t wait to get to grips with this new competition but we know it is never easy against Pontypridd.
“Although we have beaten them twice recently and they lost in the Cup semi-final, those reverses will make them all the more determined and they have plenty of good players in their squad.
“Having said that we have been playing some good stuff of late and we will be looking to continue that style in front of our own supporters who, with the special offers available to season ticket holders, should be in good voice.
The seeding system has cast fourth placed Pontypridd into a tough away fixture against newly crowned champions Neath. Having enjoyed a brief respite following their intense end of season itinerary, Pontypridd can put out a strong squad to face Neath at the Gnoll.
Lee Thorne is called up to feature on the wing, with Darren Waters returning at openside flanker. Club skipper Nathan Strong emerges from an extended honeymoon to take a place on the bench, alongside impressive recent debutant, Blues Academy lock Cory Hill.
Neath: G.King; K.Phillips, S.Thomas, N.Brew, A.Jenkins; A.Thomas (captain), K.Farrell; A.V.Lott, A.James, M.Jones; E.Evans, N.Edwards; G.Gravell, L.Evans, S.Tandy
Replacements from : D.Evans, J.Spratt, G.McCarthy, T.James, E.Lewis, A.Littlehales, P.Sidoli, T.Smith
Pontypridd: 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Gary Williams. 11.Lee Thorne. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Kristian Baller; 1.Jon Williams. 2.Kristian Dacey. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Grant Harrington. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Rhys Lloyd. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Chris Dicomidis.
Subs: Rhys Downes; Gavin Morris; Matthew Hutchings; Tom Hetherington; Nathan Strong; Cory Hill; Nathan Trevett
