When is an all-Wales cup tie not an all-Wales cup tie? … When it’s the British & Irish Cup quarter final showdown between Pontypridd RFC and Llanelli RFC.
What is turning out to be a huge season for Pontypridd, with a quest for honours very much alive on three fronts, will step up another gear come Saturday 5th March as the team go into battle against Llanelli, with rights of passage into the semi final draw of the British & Irish Cup at stake. The crunch tie at Sardis Road will kick off at 2:30pm.
Both teams are going well in the league, both intent on playing a vigorous and attacking brand of rugby, and both fully committed to the development of young Welsh talent. The status of standard bearers for Welsh Rugby in the high profile cross border British & Irish Cup is a deserved one for both contestants.
The two clubs have met only once so far this season, with Ponty taking the honours in a cracker of a Premiership encounter, appropriately on Bonfire Night, by 19pts to 13.
Pontypridd have a near clean bill of health, and with the return of some Wales under 20 and Wales Sevens internationals, are able to select from a position of strength.
Chris Clayton earns his place on the right wing, outside a lively half back partnership of Simon Humberstone and Lewis Jones. Kristian Dacey returns from senior Blues duties to take the hooker berth, with powerhouse flanker Ed Siggery back from national service with the under 20s. Centre Adam Thomas returns from Wales Sevens duties, and a fractured thumb, to take a place on the bench.
The Pontypridd team selected to face Llanelli is as follows:
15.Gareth Wyatt. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Owen Williams. 10.Simon Humberstone. 9.Lewis Jones.
1.Stuart Williams. 2.Kristian Dacey. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Ed Siggery. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Chris Dicomidis – cpt.
Subs: Garyn Lucas; Dean Gunter; Adam Thomas; Rhys Williams; Darren Waters; Chris Phillips; Owen Sheppeard.
