This season they share one win apiece, Swansea stole victory from with a come-from-behind 37-32 win at St. Helens in the Celtic League, but Caerphilly gained revenge with a 20-19 win in the Welsh Premiership at Virginia Park.
The All Whites vs. The Castletown men would have been a formality in recent years, but, under the guidance of Mark Ring, Caerphilly – PARKER PEN SHIELD semi-finalists – are playing excellent carefree rugby, and will fancy a victory that is in keeping with their fine cup form this season.
“They are a very hard team to play against because they are so unorthodox,” said Swansea assistant coach Paul Healy.
Caerphilly coach Mark Ring said: “At the start of the season I just told my players to enjoy the rugby. And I think that has resulted in a more relaxed style of play, I think we are seeing the rewards on the pitch.”
For Swansea, this may be their last chance for honours in a disappointing season.
Early exits from the Celtic League and Heineken Cup, and a poor start to their Welsh Premiership campaign have made this a miserable season for the St. Helens fans.
Caerphilly: Sione Tuipulotu; Ryan Howells, Taunaholo Taufahema, Sam Cox, Geraint Lewis; Justin Thomas, Allen Chiltern; Lee Manning, Feao Vunipola, Darren Sweet, Mark Workman, Neil Watkins, Gareth Jones, Simon Grainger, Andrew Williams.
Reps: Luke Richards, Roddy Boobyer, Geraint Liddon, Richard Skuse, Christian Ferris, Nic Rouse, Gareth Williams.
Swansea: Gareth Swales; Jonny Vaughton, Steve Winn, Scott Gibbs, Shaun Payne; Gavin Henson, Rhodri Jones; Steve Pope, Christian Balshen, Dan Dorsey, John Thomas (capt), Andrew Farley, Dean Thomas, Rory Jenkins, James Bater.
Reps: Darren Pittard, Arwel Thomas, Mattthew Robinson, Chris Wells, Lee May, John Slade, Richard Francis.
