For their final game in this year’s British & Irish Cup game Neath entertain Coventry at The Gnoll on Saturday (KO 2.30pm).
Neath and Coventry enjoyed an annual fixture in the old amateur days but the clubs have not met since the game went professional – and back again! Both clubs are locked on six points in Pool A but both will be looking to finish on a high note.
Neath have made a host of changes from the side that rather unluckily lost to Munster ‘A’ last Saturday. Only Alec Jenkins, Nathan Brew and captain Gareth Gravell remain from last week’s starting lineup with prop Anthony Lott making a return after breaking his arm in training last October.
Full back Gareth King, out of action since injuring his wrist before Christmas, is another long-term casualty back in the fold while captain Arwel Thomas is on a strong-looking bench. Hooker Gerwyn Price is the latest to make his 100th appearance for the Welsh All Blacks.
Neath Head Coach Patrick Horgan said:“The step up to the British & Irish Cup has been good for us and we have not been far away from winning all our games. Taking on full-time sides in a competitive situation has sharpened up our act.
“The competition shows that the higher the standard the fewer the chances and, well as we have played, we have not always made the most of our opportunities against clinical, full-time sides.
”Next year we will be better prepared so it is important that we sign off with a win against Coventry who have a similar record to ourselves.
“We have made a lot of changes for Coventry because we want to see as many players as possible in action in the tournament and ascertain who can hack it at this level. The squad has trained really hard and well since Christmas and it is good to have several players reporting back fit for action again.
“Everyone has something to play for if they are to demand a regular place in the team and we will be looking for a big effort at the start of an important week which sees us host Carmarthen Quins (Tuesday) and visit Cross Keys (Friday).”
Neath: G.King; R.Smith, N.Brew, W.Mitchell, A.Jenkins: G.McCarthy, T.James; E.Lewis, A.Littlehales, A.Lott; P.Sidoli, H.Pugh; G.Gravell (captain), C.Price, A.Whitney
Replacements: K.Morgan, A.Thomas, R.Jones, J.Reeves, G.Price, E.Evans, L.Evans, Referee : Mr. David Wilkinson
