Neath play their final home League game of the season against Bedwas at The Gnoll tomorrow (KO 2.30pm) knowing that victory will see them receive the Principality Premiership trophy at tea-time.
But Neath are taking nothing for granted against the battling Gwent side as they seek what would be an amazing fifth championship title in six years and a first for coach Patrick Horgan in his role as Head Coach.
The Welsh All Blacks have enjoyed another outstanding campaign and, after their controversial 24-27 defeat at Newport, they roared back to accomplish a 51-36 victory at Pontypridd on Tuesday evening.
Neath have again rung the changes, bringing in wings Kevin James and Kristian Phillips, centre Stephen Thomas, skipper Arwel Thomas, scrum-half Kevin Farrell, hooker Gerwyn Price, lock Neil Edwards and flanker Mike Collins.
Horgan said: “We are now within sight of our target and it would be nice to settle the title with victory on Saturday in front of our own supporters who have again been magnificent this season. But until we actually win it, you won’t hear us shouting the odds.
“Tuesday evening’s performance was generally impressive. We made lots of changes to keep things nice and fresh and I don’t recall anyone else registering a half-century of points at Pontypridd. In a great team effort there were some notable individual highlights such as Adam Whitney’s try hat-trick and 26 points from Gareth McCarthy who didn’t miss a kick.
“On the other hand we were not happy with some of the schoolboy defending at the end. We certainly won’t be able to do that against Bedwas who are good fighters and will look to stop us playing. We have a lot of respect for what they’ve achieved in the seven years of Premiership but we are in good shape and looking forward to a big home crowd to cheer us on .
“If that trophy is safely in our cabinet by tea-time, I will be one very happy coach but we still have it all to do and we’ll need to be as organised and positive as ever.”
Neath v Bedwas (Home): G.King; K.James, N.Brew, S.Thomas, K.Phillips; A.Thomas (captain), K.Farrell; E.Lewis, G.Price, M.Jones; E.Evans, N.Edwards; M.Collins, G.Gravell, A.Whitney
Replacements: A.Jenkins, G.McCarthy, T.James, J.Reeves, A.James, P.Sidoli, H.Pugh
