Just two weeks after Ponty faced up to Swansea in a similar scenario, the Premiership fixture list has thrown up another first versus second tie which once more underlines the competitive nature of the division.
Pontypridd travel to face age-old rivals Cardiff on Saturday 31st October, the game at the Arms Park kicking off at 2:30pm.
Having strung together five impressive wins on the trot, Ponty currently claim top spot in the Premiership, with reigning champions Cardiff on a surge to second position, their latest achievement being a fine away win at Neath last Sunday.
Undoubtedly the two opposing teams are on top form, with all to play for in the battle for league supremacy. The game stands out in its own right as a titanic contest, even without the long history of Valleys v Big City rivalry between the two clubs.
The Pontypridd selection policy for the Cardiff game has been affected by injuries and by regional call-ups.
Unable to make the cut following late fitness test are centre Dafydd Lockyer (groin / knee), winger Lewis Williams (ankle) and flanker Darren Waters (calf). The front row trinity of Sam Hobbs, Rhys Williams and Pat Palmer are on regional duties, the former two for the Blues and the latter on permit for the Dragons.
Matthew Nuthall slots in at full back, with the versatile Adam Thomas moving to centre, and the exciting young pairing of Dean Gunter and Rhys Downes continuing at half back.
Up front, prop Stuart Williams makes his comeback appearance from injury, with influential flanker Wayne O’Connor also passed fit to play.
Pontypridd: 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Owen Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Rhys Downes.
1.Stuart Williams. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Nathan Strong – cpt.
Subs: John Williams; Tom Hetherington; Grant Harrington; Rhys Lloyd; Kristian Baller; Aaron Bramwell; Gary Williams.
