Following their five-try 43-20 win over Pontypool on Monday, Neath take on neighbours Tonmawr at The Gnoll on Saturday and are expecting a big crowd for the first Gnoll league clash between the clubs. (KP 2.30pm)
The Welsh All Blacks welcome back captain Gareth Gravell who has now recovered from a bout of influenza that restricted him to the replacements’ bench against Pontypool.
Also back is top points scorer outside-half James Thomas who has formed a sharp half-back partnership with ever-present young scrum-half Tom James while up front prop Anthony Lott, long-serving hooker Andy Littlehales and lock Peter Sidoli return. David Langdon, Nicky Downs, Gerwyn Price, Mike Collins and Lee Evans switch to a strong bench.
Neath Head Coach Patrick Horgan, said: “We were pleased to get back into action on Monday against Pontypool and even more pleased to get the bonus point win as it was a little like starting the season all over again.
“We overcame some initial rustiness to play some good rugby and scored some top drawer tries against a useful Pontypool team. They are a never say die side with a similar spirit to Tonmawr so we know we have a real game on our hands.
“Tonmawr might be in their first season in the Premiership but they have made a few people sit up and take notice already – their fine win last month at the Talbot Athletic Ground against Aberavon being a real scalp for them.
“They gave us plenty of food for thought up there in September, they are well organised, play with good spirit, have plenty of pace and no little skill. It should be a good game in front of a big local crowd.”
Neath v Tonmawr (Home)
A.Jenkins; K.James, S.Thomas, A.Bramwell, C.Morgans,; J.Thomas, T.James; A.V.Lott, A.Littlehales, R.Davies; E.Evans, P.Sidoli, G.Gravell (captain), A.Powell, L.Evans, E.Uzoigwe
Replacements : N.Downs, G.Price, M.Collins, L.Evans, A.Whitney, D.Langdon, G.King
Prior to the big game, Neath Under-15’s entertain their Bridgend counterparts in a curtain-raiser which will kick off at 12 noon.
