Last Saturday, Neath rallied strongly in the second-half to earn a 22-18 win at Bridgend while Bedwas lost at home 8-13 to Cross Keys in a tight Gwent derby.
The Welsh All Blacks are concentrating firmly on climbing the Principality Premiership table and they welcome back Aaron Bramwell, Chris Morgans and Rhodri Clancy who all missed the Bridgend game. Back row selection will rest between inspirational captain Gareth Gravell, Lee Evans and impressive youngsters Callum Davies and Steffan Jones.
Coach Patrick Horgan wants his men to continue their good form and says, “It was pleasing in the end to get the win last Saturday but it was all thanks to our second half performance. We know that we have to play well for 80 minutes if we’re to progress in League and Cup – we did that against Cross Keys and the result showed it.
“Looking at the league, after the start we had, we are aiming to reach mid-table but every game is vital. Pontypridd apart, there is not much between any of the teams this year and any team can win on any given day.
“We’ve beaten Bedwas twice this season. Their style is very much like that of Cross Keys and, from all reports, our supporters thought that was excellent entertainment. Like Keys, Bedwas have earned their place in the top three so we know it’ll be tough. We need to keep winning to keep the momentum up but Bedwas will be all out to stop us playing.”
Neath 15 Aaron Bramwell; 14 Kevin James, 13 Ryan Evans, 12 Dean Cummins, 11 Chris Morgans; 10 David Langdon, 9 Luc Jones; 1 Roy Jones, 2 Rhodri Clancy, 3 Marc Jones; 4 Rhys Jones, 5 Jonny Griffiths, from Lee Evans, Gareth Gravell (captain), Steffan Jones, Callum Davies
Replacements: 6 Rowan davies, 17 Stuart Vokes, 18 Ceri Jones, 19 A.N. Other, 20 Leon Ward, 21 Gareth King, 22 Lloyd Phillips, 23 John Leyshon
