The Quins have won all six league games at Carmarthen Park to date and can’t wait to test themselves against the leaders in what Phillips believes will be their biggest challenge of the campaign.
“We’ve got two huge games in a row, both live on TV, and this represents a great opportunity for us. It’s a clash of the top two teams in the league this week and then a National Cup quarter-final at Pontypool next week,” said Phillips.
“Training has gone well, the players are excited and we’re hoping the weather isn’t too bad. Realistically, we need to beat Cardiff to stop them getting even further ahead.
“They are the most professional team in the league on and off the field and have been the team to beat this season right from the start. We are looking to maintain our home record, but I’m trying not to put too much pressure on my players.
“You have to remember that they will be coming to play on a Friday night having worked all day and things change all week in the build up as players drop out for various reasons. We’ll be as strong as we can possibly be and hope we can upset Cardiff.”
Both teams had a weekend off in the last round and Cardiff head coach Steve Law knows that completing a double over his nearest rivals would be a huge boost to their title hopes. They won the home game 34-20 and are currently 15 points clear having played one extra game.
“This will be the next big test for us and the Quins are the best team in the league at what they done in a number of aspects of their game. It is going to be a good game to showcase the talent in this league,” said Law.
At the other end of the table, Ebbw Vale will be looking to build on their draw at Llandovery last weekend when they host fifth placed Pontypridd. The Steelmen’s 10-10 draw at Church Bank allowed them to make up the two points by which they trailed Bridgend at the bottom of the table and they still have a game in hand.
“The second half defensive display at Llandovery was magnificent playing into the wind. We all felt a draw was a fair result, but having changed ends only five points in front it seemed more like a winning draw,” said Ebbw Vale head coach Greg Woods.
“If we can finish 11th in the league this season that will be fantastic. We knew how difficult it was going to be to survive when we reviewed our situation as a club last summer.
“We haven’t been losing by many points and every point we pick up is priceless. We’ll look to get some more against Pontypridd, but the game at Bridgend on 28 March is already looking like be a massive match.”
Bridgend host Llandovery on Saturday, fourth placed Aberavon welcome Merthyr, who are one point ahead of them, and Llanelli make the long trek north to face RGC 1404.
INDIGO GROUP PREMIERSHIP – ROUND 15
Friday, 17 January
Carmarthen Quins v Cardiff
Saturday, 18 January
Aberavon v Merthyr
Bridgend v Llandovery
Ebbw Vale v Pontypridd
RGC 1404 v Llanelli
