Swansea still need a bonus point win to be in with a chance of retaining their Premiership status for next season – something Neath achieved in emphatic style with their 27-10 win at Aberavon on Monday.
Even a bonus point win might not be enough for the Whites because, if Aberavon get a point from their home game against Carmarthen Quins, Swansea will be relegated.
But coach Patrick Horgan promises that, although Neath’s safety is assured, the Welsh All Blacks will still be giving it everything at St. Helen’s. He said, “For a start it has never been in the Neath club’s nature to roll over for anyone. Also, it would be manifestly unfair on Aberavon if we were to say job done at this stage.
“We have massive respect for both clubs who have made a fantastic contribution to the Game in Wales over a very long time and it is a pity that we have to lose one of them. I couldn’t say it before we were safe but I think the WRU needs to take a serious look at expanding the Premiership,
“We have made several changes to our starting line-up to freshen things up so we have a strong bench and we will be giving it our best shot and players have reputations to protect as well as the chance to show for next season.”
Neath: 15 Alec Jenkins; 14 Ceri Young, 13 John Leyshon, 12 Aaron Bramwell, 11 Dafydd Howells; 10 James Thomas, 9 Josh Davies, 1 Roy Jones, 2 Sion Crocker, 3 Marc Jones; 4 Jack Jones, 5 James Goode; 6 Leon Ward, 8 Jordan Collier, 7 Emyr Williams
Replacements – A.N. Other, James Helliwell, Aaron Coundley, Gerwyn Price, Ceri Jones, Gavin Evans, Calum Davies, Kyle Tayler,
Odds stacked against Swansea
Neath head to St Helen’s to play Swansea for the final match of what has been a turbulent 2013/14 season (KO 2.30pm).
