Neath ring the changes when they travel to Pontypridd tonight seeking the first of two wins that are required to earn the Principality Premiership title. (KO 7.15pm)
The Welsh All Blacks found themselves on the receiving end of a horrendous penalty count at Newport yet still managed four tries in a 24-27 defeat. Swansea dropped a point at Cross Keys so Neath need 8 points from 3 games to clinch the title.
Headcoach Patrick Horgan, said: “We were very disappointed by the high penalty count against us at Newport on Saturday. Lesser sides might have crumbled but I was proud of the way we held up defensively and we still managed to score four tries.
“We now turn our attentions to Pontypridd where we expect another tough challenge. Some people say that Ponty may have an eye on their Cup semi-final against Carmarthen Quins but my experience of Pontypridd suggests different – like us, they want to win every time they take the field.
“Yes, they are in the middle of a very crowded fixture programme but they are always one of the most competitive sides in this League and we’ll need to be disciplined and direct if we are to achieve our aims.”
The sheer intensity of the run in to the end of the season is making huge demands on the Ponty squad, with the small matter of a SWALEC Cup semi final to consider within four days time.
The focus will however remain firmly fixed on league commitments as Ponty seek to gain revenge for a heavy defeat down at the Gnoll just over a week ago, and to secure a win to consolidate their challenge for a top four position in the table.
The consideration to rest players, along with the usual injury problems, have meant that changes are made to the composition of the Pontypridd team.
Kristian Baller slots in at full back with Aaron Bramwell reverting to centre where he will partner Gary Williams.
Up front there is something of a role reversal as Kristian Dacey takes up his new role as hooker, with Tom Hetherington moving from hooker to flanker. Ryan Savage will wear the no8 shirt, and promising youngster Craig Locke from Mountain Ash given an opportunity in the second row.
Neath G.King; K.Morgan, N.Brew, W.Mitchell, A.Jenkins; G.McCarthy, T.James; E.Lewis, A.James, M.Jones; E.Evans, P.Sidoli; G.Gravell (captain), L.Evans, A.Whitney
Replacements: S.Thomas, A.Thomas, K.Farrell, J.Reeves, A.Littlehales, M.Collins, H.Pugh
Pontypridd 15.Kristian Baller. 14.Lewis Williams. 13.Aaron Bramwell. 12.Gary Williams. 11.Matthew Nuthall. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Gavin Morris. 1.Jon Williams. 2.Kristian Dacey. 3.Ken Knaggs. 4.Grant Harrington. 5.Craig Locke. 6.Wayne O’Connor. 7.Tom Hetherington. 8.Ryan Savage.
Subs: Adam Thomas; Gavin Dacey; Chris Clayton; Chris Martenko; Rhys Williams; Ryan Harford
