And following a disappointing home defeat to Cardiff last time out, Ponty will be hoping that the trip westward will prove to be a journey along the comeback trail.
The Valley Commandos had strung together a useful winning sequence of four matches in league and cup prior to that reverse, and must aim to rediscover the knack of winning in order to haul themselves out of mid-table mediocrity in the Principality Premiership.
Ponty could take some encouragement from their away form this season, having won four, drawn one and lost just once on the road in the league, comparable to a record of won three, lost three at home.
A Swansea team of relative youngsters, always willing to throw the ball about on the wide acres of St Helen’s, and coached by former Wales international Richard Webster, will provide a difficult hurdle for Ponty, but one that Head Coach Paul John believes can be overcome.
“We need a good performance after the Cardiff game” said John, “and it’s fair to say that everyone in the squad is up to the challenge.
“The only way to work that defeat out of our systems is to get straight back on to the playing field, which all the players are keen to do. Swansea have picked up in form lately, and have a hard physical edge to their game, as you would expect of a team coached by Richard Webster. It will be a good test for us.”
There are changes made, in particular to the Pontypridd back line as they look forward to the trip to St Helen’s. Jason Pocock returns at fullback, a new centre partnership of Gavin Dacey and Paul Matthews, Fionn McLoughlin in on the wing, and youngster Rhys Downes given a run at scrum half.
Gareth McCarthy covers the outside half position on the bench, having been released by the Gwent Dragons, and signed up by Ponty for the remainder of the season.
Amongst the forwards, Ryan Savage comes in at lock, the only change from the starting pack against Cardiff, with prop Sam Hobbs named as a replacement, having returned from Wales under 20 squad duties.
Pontypridd:
15. Jason Pocock
14. Kristian Baller
13. Gavin Dacey
12. Paul Matthews
11. Fionn McLoughlin
10. Neil Burnett
9. Rhys Downes
1. Stuart Williams
2. Leighton Davies
3. Ryan Harford
4. Ryan Savage
5. Chris Dicomidis
6. Geraint Lewis
7. Rhys Shellard
8. Nathan Strong – Capt
Replacements:
Lawrence Price
Gareth McCarthy
Andrew Jenkins
Ian Poley
Sam Hobbs
Rhys Williams
Wayne O’Connor
