Second-placed Neath visit third-placed Swansea, the Whites being two points behind the Welsh All Blacks but with a game in hand (KO 2.30pm).
With players beginning to return after injury, Neath name the in form Gareth McCarthy on the replacements’ bench. His 24-point haul saw off Cross Keys last week and included what was probably the fastest individual try hat-trick in the history of the Gnoll club – possibly in the history of the Game as his three tries came in just under 6 minutes.
The Welsh All Blacks welcome back full back Gareth King, outside-half Arwel Thomas, scrum-half Kevin Farrell, hooker Andy Littlehales and back rowers Mike Collins and Steve Tandy while Ed Shervington and James Reeves resume bench duty.
Neath Head Coach Patrick Horgan said: “We are looking forward to visiting St. Helen’s and the chance to take on Swansea who lost their unbeaten record at Pontypridd last week but still have a game in hand over us.
“After losing at Pontypridd, Swansea will have spent the week examining where they went wrong and will want to put their problems behind them.
“They have a lot of good players across their team and will fancy themselves at home so we will need to step up our effort if we are to succeed.
“It should be a good old-fashioned West Wales derby and form usually goes out of the window on such occasions. Our boys have it in their souls to win and as usual we will be taking strong support on the short journey to St. Helen’s.”
Neath: 15 G.King; 14 K.Morgan, 13 S.Thomas, 12 J.Spratt, 11 K.Phillips; 10 A.Thomas (captain),
9 K.Farrell 1 A.V.Lott, 2 A.Littlehales, 3 M.Jones; 4 E.Evans, 5 N.Edwards; 6 M.Collins,
8 G.Gravell, 7 S.Tandy
Replacements: K.James, G.McCarthy, T.James, E.Shervington, J.Reeves, J.Bowd, A.Whitney
