Pontypridd go into their second match of the British & Irish Cup this evening, facing Doncaster Knights in what will now be their only home fixture of the pool stage. (KO 7.30pm)
Having lost their other “home” game, played away against Cardiff last weekend, Ponty will need to get over the false start made to the new competition, and secure a win to keep their hopes of qualification to the knock-out stages of the Cup alive.
A number of minor injuries incurred in training have depleted the Ponty ranks prior to the Doncaster game.
Centre Gavin Dacey has failed to recover from his shoulder problem, and is joined on the sick list by midfield partner Dafydd Lockyer, out with a groin strain. Hooker Huw Dowden is sidelined having suffered concussion during the Cardiff match, with no 8 and skipper Nathan Strong hampered by a slight groin strain.
Some readjustments are made, with Aaron Bramwell slotting in at outside centre, alongside Adam Thomas, and Dean Gunter returning to the fly-half position. Chris Dicomidis reverts to the blind-side flanker role with Rhys Lloyd moving across to no 8. Prop Sam Hobbs and hooker Rhys Williams return from regional duties in the front row.
Pontypridd: 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Kristian Baller. 13.Aaron Bramwell. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Sam Hobbs. 2.Rhys Williams. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Rhys Lloyd.
Replacements: Gary Williams; Dai Flanagan; Chris Clayton; Tom Hetherington; Darren Waters; Grant Harrington; Stuart Williams.
