After a disastrous start to this year’s campaign, Bridgend fought back to earn a recent draw with Llandovery before putting Swansea to the sword six days later. Since then, the Ravens have had more than two weeks off and are now raring to return to action.
They take on the Welsh All Blacks this weekend who sit rock bottom with nine defeats from their nine games so far this season. Their poor form has seen former coach Patrick Horgan rejoin the club, replacing Robin Sowden Taylor and Llyr Lane.
While Neath’s season hasn’t gone to plan, Bridgend head coach Ben Rose isn’t discounting the scale of the challenge.
“The festive season brings us two massive games. The Boxing Day clash against Bedwas will be the first home game on this date for a number of years but as a coaching group and squad, we can’t afford to look further than Neath on Saturday,” he said.
“Neath are a team you look forward to playing because you know it is going to be a high intensity game in front of a good crowd during the holiday period. This is sure to raise the standard of the players of both sides.
“Speaking with some players this week and last we are definitely excited by the talent and potential of this squad. Our back row and backline must be the most exciting in the league and our front five have shown they can mix it with the likes of Llandovery, Pontypridd and Swansea.
“Physicality and intensity are going to be really high at the start of any derby. We need to ensure we do not switch off as we did against Aberavon.”
The Gnoll has long been a difficult hunting ground for Bridgend, the Ravens went nearly 30 years without winning at the home of the Welsh All Blacks. But since the 2008/2009 campaign, Bridgend are unbeaten at the ground – including a narrow victory there at the start of this campaign in a British and Irish Cup qualifier.
The head to head between the sides favours Neath. In 51 matches, they’ve won 37 whilst Bridgend have won 13 with one game drawn.
“We know talent and potential do not count for much unless you are willing to put in the effort,” Rose added.
“The two week British & Irish Cup window has given us a great opportunity to rest some players ahead of this clash. We have had two high quality sessions during the weeks off where we have focused on going to the next level as a squad.
“I am massively excited about these games and I hope the players and supporters are too. I know for a fact we have the best support in the league and the players feed off that week in week out.
“A win on Saturday certainly sets us up for the home Boxing Day match.”
