Aberavon saw Newport snatch a last minute victory at the Talbot Athletic Ground last weekend through a try from winger Elliot Frewen while Swansea had a difficult time away to Neath, eventually slipping to a 23-9 defeat.
The Whites have home advantage but there is plenty to improve on for both sides as they look to respond on the second weekend of the season.
Last year saw the two sides share the spoils. Aberavon claimed a 22-17 win at St Helens in the first month of last season but the Whites had their revenge, winning 15-6 at Aberavon in January.
Swansea are hopeful injury doubts Dan Baker and Jordan Skidmore will be fit to take on the Wizards. No 8 Baker came on in the final stages of last weekend’s defeat to Neath as he stepped up his recovery from a twisted ankle.
Former Corus Steel wing Skidmore, meanwhile, is close to a return to full fitness following a hamstring injury.
“Unfortunately Dan twisted his ankle playing in the Cwmtawe Sevens,” said Swansea team manager Ian Hopkins. “It’s getting better and I’m sure he will play a bigger part against Aberavon than he managed at The Gnoll.
“We’re also hopeful we will have Jordan back after he damaged his hamstring. He’s got a real chance.”
Although the Whites started on a losing note, Hopkins was encouraged by what he saw against Neath.
“I thought we competed very well against Neath,” he said. “There were plenty of positives to take from the match.”
Aberavon give a league debut to former Tonmawr three-quarter Steffan Andrews and bring in Ospreys Academy hooker Evan Yardley while Andrew Clatworthy appears as a replacement against his former club.
Morgan Allen returns from Ospreys duty at No 8 while Nathan Strong, Richard Carter, Neil White and Dan Davies are all out until the New Year with injury.
“It was a disappointing result against Newport but full credit to them,” said Aberavon coach Simon King. “But we have a quick chance to bounce back. Swansea always play an exciting brand of football but we’re looking forward to the game.”
Swansea 15 Richard Williams 14 Jordan Skidmore 13 Ben Roberts 12 Nicky Harwood 11 Johnny Morgan 10 Sam Davies 9 Aled Lewis, 8 Matthew Norman 7 Paul John 6 Ian Williams 5 Sam Kiley 4 Rhodri Hughes 3 James McKenna 2 Steffan Jones 1 Sean Williams.
Replacements: Ieuan Dobbs, Roy Jones, Aled Mason, David Blyth, Dan Baker, Jon Preddy, Liam Price, Jamie Thomas.
Aberavon 15 Jonathan Phillips 14 Stefan Andrews 13 Ben John 12 Richard Thomas 11 Ricky Thomas 10 Jamie Davies 9 David Pritchard; 1 Rowan Jenkins 2 Evan Yardley 3 Anthony Edwards 4 Gavin Ronan 5 Sam Williams (c) 6 Ben Thomas 7 Morgan Allen 8 Joe Tomalin-Reeves.
Replacements: Liam Gadd, Craig Evans, Chris Davies, Gareth Harvey, Chris John, Ian Moore, Andrew Clatworthy, Rhydian Gierat.
