Bryncoch winger Richard Smith is poised for his League debut for the Welsh All Blacks after impressing in friendly fixtures earlier this season and back into the squad come full back Gareth King, Wales Under-20’s scrum-half Tavis Knoyle, prop Martin Jones and back rower Craig Price.
Vale coaches Matthew McCarthy and Christian Loader have strong Neath links and the visitors will have the services of two Gwent Dragons who played for Neath – Rob Lewis and Jamie Ringer – and should field four Wales Under-20’s lads in David Langdon, Aaron Coundley, James Thomas and Rhys Jenkins.
Director of Rugby Rowland Phillips is hoping for a big effort from his side. He said: “As the season enters a crucial stage, we are seeking a big 80-minute performance against Ebbw Vale. Last week, we played some top stuff in the first 70 minutes to overcome the challenge of Cross Keys who many fancied to topple us in the Cup. But, having established a 32-5 lead, we somehow contrived to concede four tries in the last 10 minutes. That is simply not good enough for Neath.
“Now we look forward to playing Ebbw Vale. Games between us are often spectacular affairs and we need no reminding that last October Ebbw Vale deservedly won up there. We well remember the disappointment of a decidedly lack-lustre showing by us and we cannot afford any repeat.
“EbbwVale might not have not enjoyed the best of results recently but they are safely placed in lower mid-table. From all reports, the score-line did not do them justice at Pontypridd last week and we are fully aware how dangerous they can be.
“Their coaches Matthew McCarthy and Christian Loader are in their first year in the Premiership but both have strong Neath connections, set good standards and will be very keen to do well. Our fans enjoy the company of Ebbw Vale people and there should be a good crowd for what will now be our final Saturday home game of the season as the Aberavon derby will be in its traditional Easter Monday slot and the Llandovery fixture will be re-arranged owing to our Cup semi-final against Swansea.”
Neath v Ebbw Vale (Home) From: H.Thomas, G.King, D.Evans, R.Smith, S.Thomas, W.Mitchell, L.Ford, M.James, T.Knoyle, G.James, K.Farrell; A.Howell, N.Downs, C.Mitchell, M.Jones, A.James, G.Price, A.Littlehales; N.Edwards, E.Evans, C.Ruddock, L.Evans, G.Gravell, L.Beach (captain), C.Price
