Even at this early stage of the new season, Pontypridd will be on a mission to rediscover their form and rekindle the flickering flame of success, as they travel to face Pontypool (KO 2.30pm).
A disappointing away defeat at Carmarthen last time out put a dampener on Ponty’s early season enthusiasm, and the perfect antidote would be a win on the road at Pontypool Park.
If Premiership trends are anything to go by, Ponty can reflect that they have lost every game at Carmarthen, but have yet to lose to Pontypool, with six wins and two draws secured from the eight fixtures played between the two clubs in the semi-professional era.
For this game, coaches Paul John and Dale McIntosh have been able to select from a position of relative strength, with the casualties amongst the squad being winger Lewis Williams (ankle), outside half Aaron Bramwell (hamstring) ,scrum half Gavin Morris (knee) and prop Stuart Williams (back).
Bramwell’s absence is at least compensated by the release of Dai Flanagan from regional duties, with fellow Blues player, hooker Rhys Williams also making a welcome return from injury. Influential flanker Wayne O’Connor makes his comeback following a brief interlude on holidays.
Positional changes amongst the back line see Adam Thomas given a run out at full back, with Matthew Nuthall transferring on to the wing, and Chris Clayton returning to spearhead the attack on the opposite flank.
Pontypridd: 15.Adam Thomas. 14.Matthew Nuthall. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Dai Flanagan. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Sam Hobbs. 2.Rhys Williams. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Kristian Dacey. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Nathan Strong (capt)
Replacements: Kristian Baller; Matthew Hutchings; Owen Williams; Huw Dowden; Ryan Savage; Darren Waters; John Williams.
