The season’s statistics tell a story, with Swansea having won one and lost 13 and Ponty conversely having won 13 and lost one, with a staggering 51pts gulf between the two clubs. Amongst those results was a 29-3 home win for Ponty over the All Whites back in early October.
According to Pontypridd team manager Richard Langmead such records count for little and a tough encounter is expected on the wide open spaces of St Helens.
“We are always given a hard game at Swansea and despite their current league status we will be taking nothing for granted. They have a strong set piece and given a share of possession always seem to thrive on the good playing surface at St Helens.
“We expect a fast open game and will have to be at our best to come away with the result we need.”
Adhering to a policy of squad rotation Ponty make no fewer than 10 changes, in personnel and positional, from the line up that started the home win over Newport last weekend. Tight head prop Bradley Thyer returns to club duties from the Wales Under 20 squad and flanker Rhys Shellard makes a comeback from recent injury.
Pontypridd 15.Adam Thomas. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Gary Williams. 11.Owen Williams. 10.Simon Humberstone. 9.Gareth James; 1.Chris Phillips. 2.Darran Harris. 3.Bradley Thyer. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Chris Dicomidis (Capt) 6.Ed Siggery. 7.Rhys Shellard. 8.Jake Thomas.
Subs: 16.Lloyd Williams. 17.Dai Flanagan. 18.Geraint Walsh. 19.Huw Dowden. 20.Wayne O’Connor. 21.Jordan Sieniawski. 22.Scott Roberts. 23.Stuart Williams
