On a weekend of big fixtures, Principality Premiership league leaders Neath’s game against Cardiff will be played on Sunday at The Gnoll (kick off 5.05pm) with accompanied juniors Under-12 allowed in free and the S4C cameras in attendance.
In view of the Sunday kick off, the Welsh All Blacks have yet to finalise their selection but they are unlikely to show too many changes from last week’s side that returned to the top of the table by capturing Swansea’s ground record with a 31-27 win in one of the most spectacular Premiership games seen.
They have, however, named a provisional squad which includes several more injury returnees. Added to the 22 who did duty last week are centres Luke Ford and Nathan Brew, prop Craig Mitchell, hooker Ashleigh James, lock Peter Sidoli and back rower Craig Price.
Neath have already passed the half-way mark of their away fixtures but realise that they must now start to make home advantage count as they play catch up in terms of fixtures at their beloved Gnoll and the Welsh All Blacks will be keen to reverse the 22-20 defeat they suffered at the Arms Park courtesy of an added time dropped goal by star outside-half Gareth Davies.
“As winter-time descends, we are looking forward to the visit of Cardiff to what, judging by the massive support we took to St. Helen’s last week and the special offers for juniors, should be an atmospheric Gnoll.
“Last week, we let Swansea get a 21-point start with a couple of soft tries. But the way the boys worked to overturn it was a really heroic effort right out of the Neath values book and several commentators have praised the standard of play by both teams.
“We know we face a big challenge from Cardiff who have enjoyed more than their share of luck against us recently and they are the only side to have bettered us since the Premiership came into being.
“They rested a lot of players last week against Bedwas obviously with this one in mind so it should be a cracker. Like Swansea, they have a lot of good players across their team so again we will be seeking that little bit extra if we are to succeed.
“I said last week that our boys had it in their souls to win. We must find more of that spirit against Cardiff and it is good to welcome back a few more players.”
Neath: G.King, K.Morgan, K.James, K.Phillips, N.Brew, L.Ford, S.Thomas, G.McCarthy, A.Thomas (captain), K.Farrell, T.James, A.V.Lott, J.Reeves, C.Mitchell, M.Jones, A.Littlehales, A.James, E.Evans, P.Sidoli, N.Edwards, M.Collins, G.Gravell, S.Tandy, A.Whitney, J.Bowd, C.Price
