Pontypridd defend their position as current leaders of the Principality Premiership with a tough away fixture at Glamorgan Wanderers at the Ely Memorial Ground (KO 2:30pm).
The Wanderers have proved to be difficult opponents on their own patch for Ponty over the past few seasons, with all games being close fought affairs – none more so than the 13 all draw between the two clubs last year.
As Ponty narrowly claim pole position in the table, the Wanderers sit back in eighth place, having won four and lost three of their league games so far.
Pontypridd will await a late fitness test before finalising their back line for the Wanderers game, centre Gavin Dacey being given additional time to recover from a tricep strain. Definitely ruled out through injury are centre Dafydd Lockyer (groin), outside half Dai Flanagan (back) and flanker Rhys Lloyd (sternum).
Hooker Rhys Williams and prop Sam Hobbs are on Heineken Cup duties with the Blues, whilst half back pairing Dean Gunter and Rhys Downes can not start the match, having been involved in the Wales under 20s trial on Thursday evening, but can be allocated places on the bench.
John Williams and Ryan Harford take over the prop berths with Grant Harrington drafted in at lock and Darren Waters given another opportunity to impress at openside flanker. Aaron Bramwell returns from injury to take on the fly half role.
Glamorgan Wanderers coach Richard Hodges cannot call upon young stars Dan Fish and Josh Navidi this weekend after their involvement in the West v East Under 20’s trial on Thursday.
Into the side come ex-Pontypridd fullback Jason Pocock and Mazin Al-Azzawi who steps up from the bench to play blindside. Simon Rosser gets his first start of the season at centre after a pre-season injury and there is a shuffle in the pack where Gareth Knight starts at number 8 and Alex Luff moves to the second row.
Glamorgan Wanderers: 15. Jason Pocock 14. Rory Budina 13. Charlie Johnson 12. Simon Rosser 11. Robin Lock 10. Scott Sneddon 9. Harry Trelawny; 1. Nathan Trevett 2. James Richards 3. Scott Andrews (capt) 4. Tom Evans 5. Alex Luff 6. Mazin Al-Azzawi 7. Ben Rose 8. Gareth Knight
Replacements: 16. Ieuan Dobbs 17. Mark O’Leary 18. Carl Kimber 19. Lee Highgate 20. Steve Cullen 21. Rhys Dyer 22. Matt Trowbridge
Pontypridd:
15 – 11. from Matthew Nuthall / Adam Thomas / Owen Williams / Chris Clayton / Lewis Williams / Gavin Dacey / Lee Thorne. 10.Aaron Bramwell. 9.Kristian Baller; 1.John Williams. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Grant Harrington. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Nathan Strong – cpt
Replacements: from above and – Dean Gunter; Rhys Downes; Tom Hetherington; Chris Martenko; Wayne O’Connor; Pat Palmer.
Ponty players released on permit to other clubs this weekend are full backs Matthew Hutchings and Gary Williams to Ystrad Rhondda and Aberdare respectively, and prop Stuart Williams to Abercynon
