Pontypridd will enjoy the home comfort of Sardis Road for only the second time this season as they host Cross Keys in the Principality Premiership today (KO 2:30pm.)
That home advantage at the House of Pain will be one weapon in Ponty’s armoury as they seek to redress the balance following a disappointing away defeat at Newport in midweek.
Cross Keys as ever will provide stern resistance, their last result of a draw away to reigning champions Cardiff proving that they can be competitive on any given occasion. Having recruited the likes of full back Gareth David from Bridgend and outside half Dai Langdon from Ebbw Vale, the Keys have plenty of fire power at their disposal.
The latest casualties amongst the Ponty squad are outside half Aaron Bramwell, struggling with a recurring hamstring strain, lock Grant Harrington with a dead leg, and flanker Kristian Dacey with a dislocated shoulder.
Stepping up to the plate are outside half Dai Flanagan, recovered from an ankle injury and lock Chris Martenko back from leave, whilst flankers Rhys Lloyd and Darren Waters are given a start in the back row.
Pontypridd: 15.Adam Thomas. 14.Matthew Nuthall. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Dai Flanagan. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Sam Hobbs. 2.Rhys Williams. 3.Pat Plamer. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Rhys Lloyd. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Nathan Strong (capt)
Subs: Kristian Baller; Dean Gunter; Owen Williams; Huw Dowden; Ryan Harford; Ryan Savage; Wayne O’Connor
