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PREM PREVIEW: Evans refuses to underestimate Neath

PREM PREVIEW: Evans refuses to underestimate Neath

Euros Evans

LLANDOVERY head coach Euros Evans has warned his players not to underestimate Neath as both sides clash at the Church Bank in front of the BBC Wales Scrum V cameras tonight (kick-off 7:10pm).

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The west Walians are currently fifth in the Welsh Premiership while Neath are rooted to the bottom of the table.
But despite their lowly position Evans is expecting Neath to provide stern opposition.
“Their league position doesn’t reflect how well they have played in some of their games,” said Evans.

“With the exception of Merthyr last weekend every game they have played in has been close and very competitive. They scored a lot of points up in Pontypridd.

“They are scoring a lot of points and they will be a real challenge for us. They have a former All Black playing at 10 and I’ve never known Regan King to kick the ball while they have quality throughout their side.”

But despite being respectful of the opposition Evans is confident his side can claim an all-important victory after two disappointing defeats in recent weeks. And with the game live on the BBC Evans insists it has put an extra spring in his players’ steps.

“We are really happy with where we are at after our first few games of the season,” he said.
“Even down in Aberavon we performed well and got two bonus point.

“But we are really disappointed with the way we played in the last two games against RGC1404 and Bridgend so we will be looking for a strong performance and a good win tonight. We are obviously going to have to front up physically which you have to do in any game.

“But with some good weather predicted for tonight we will be looking to spread the ball and hopefully the game will be a real spectacle for those in attendance and watching on TV.

“I think it’s fantastic the game is being broadcast live. My players are really excited to play in front of the cameras so that they can showcase their talent to a wider audience.”
 
Llandovery: Gavin Thomas; Richard Williams, Ryan Evans, Rhodri Jones, Aaron Warren; Jack Maynard, Dafydd Lane; Dino Dallavalle, Ricky Guest, Berian Watkins, Jack Jones, Joe Powell, Lewis Ellis-Jones, Shaun Miles, Emyr Price.

Replacements: Llyr Green, Jamie Hughes, Jordan Evans, Jake Baker, Matthew Moore, Harri Doel, Kristian Jones, Lee Rees.

Neath: Ed Howley; Ian Ellis, Mike Evans, Gavin Evans, James Roberts; Regan King, Scott Gibson; Luke Garrett, Sion Crocker, Ryan Thomas, Rhys Jones, Nathan Smith, Jordan Collier, Lloyd Evans, Ieuan Jones.

Replacements: Ben Uphill, Garin Lloyd, Liam Tobias, Leon Ward, Elis Hopkins, Aled Cockwell, Tom Briggs, Callum Hall.

Kick off: 7:10pm (Live on BBC Scrum V).
 

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