Barely two months into the new season, the Principality Premiership fixture list has already thrown up a plum tie between the two top placed teams in the Principality Premiership. (KO 6.30pm)
Pontypridd play hosts to Swansea at Sardis Road with Swansea the only team as yet unbeaten in the division, and being the top points and try scorers, they have proved well worthy of their status as early league leaders.
Snapping at their heels in second position are Pontypridd, who defend a proud home record stretching back over two seasons.
Ironically, the last time that Ponty lost a competitive fixture at the “House of Pain” was the last time the live TV cameras were there – against Cardiff in the league in November 2007.
The form book points to an open game of rugby between two attack minded teams, which will hopefully be a good advert for the semi professional game in Wales.
The Ponty squad in preparing for the big match has suffered a few fresh injuries, and some withdrawals to the Blues European squad.
Flanker Rhys Lloyd is ruled out with a bruised sternum, and full back Adam Thomas with a knee problem. Tied in with the Blues regional squad are outside half Dai Flanagan, hooker Rhys Williams and prop Sam Hobbs.
Dean Gunter keeps hold of the no 10 shirt following a run of impressive performances, and will partner Rhys Downes at half back. Aaron Bramwell returns from injury to take a place on the bench.
Seventeen-year-old prop Lewis Smout takes up the loose head berth, with Chris Martenko and Ryan Savage paired at lock, allowing Chris Dicomidis to slot into the back row.
Pontypridd: 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Owen Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Lewis Smout. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Nathan Strong – cpt.
Replacements: Ryan Harford; Tom Hetherington; Grant Harrington; Darren Waters; Kristian Baller; Aaron Bramwell; Lee Thorne
