Both teams got their BIC campaigns underway last weekend with defeats against English opponents – Pontypridd away to Nottingham and Swansea at home to Rotherham. Ponty at least salvaged a losing bonus point at Meadow Lane and will seek to build on that by capitalising fully on their home advantage.
The Pontypridd management team make numerous changes, nine in all, from the team that started the game at Nottingham.
Apart from long term injury absentees, centre Adam Thomas, outside half Simon Humberstone, hooker Jack Dando, second rower Craig Locke and No8 Owen Sheppeard, they have a full squad at their disposal and have decided to make the most of their options.
“The Swansea game entails a quick turnaround from the Nottingham game last Sunday,” explained team manager Richard Langmead, “and with a difficult run of games in the weeks ahead, we need to look to the strength in depth of our squad.
“In making changes we are replacing quality with quality. There is strong competition for places throughout the squad and a number of players who have been champing at the bit to get game time will be given that opportunity.”
Pontypridd 15.Gareth Wyatt. 14.Lewis I Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Gary Williams. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Lewis K Williams. 9.Lewis Jones; 1.Ken Knaggs. 2.Darren Harris. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Cory Hill. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis – cpt. 7.Tom Hetherington. 8.Dan Godfrey.
Replacements: Rhys Downes; Dean Gunter; Dafydd Lockyer; Huw Dowden; Jake Thomas; Wayne O’Connor; James Howe.
