The Ravens are rooted to the bottom of the Indigo Group Premiership while Quins are second – 10 points behind leaders Cardiff. On paper Saturday afternoon’s clash should be a mismatch, but Phillips is adamant his side are in for a tough afternoon at the Brewery Field.
“Bridgend will be disappointed to be at the bottom of the table, but I think they are a better side than results suggest,” said the former Wales hooker. “When a side is struggling and in relegation trouble then it makes them desperate and dangerous.
“There is a lot at stake for them so we are expecting a difficult game. I am happy with the way we have been playing, but we can’t take anything for granted and we need to keep improving.
“In the last three weeks our games have been played in horrible weather conditions and we have shown a lot of grit and determination to come through them. Hopefully the weather will be a lot better on Saturday so we can go out there, express ourselves, and hopefully get a good result.”
Elsewhere, Cardiff will move closer to the Premiership title if they can beat Aberavon at Talbot Athletic Ground. The Blues & Blacks have dominated the league this season, but face a stern challenge against a Wizards outfit who are third in the table and need to win to keep their slim title hopes alive.
“We just want to keep improving from week to week,” said Aberavon head coach Jason Hyatt. “We are absolutely delighted with the way we’ve played this season.
“We’ve got such a strong culture at this club where everybody is prepared to work for each other. Cardiff are going to be very difficult to beat, but we have every confidence in our ability especially playing at home.”
Ebbw Vale, who are 11th in the table, host RGC 1404 at Eugene Cross Park with Dragons flanker Nic Cudd set to make his return from a serious injury with the Steelmen. Cudd hasn’t played since February 2019, but his availability will be a big boost to Ebbw head coach Greg Woods.
His team are in desperate need of a win to alleviate their own fears of relegation with Ebbw just five points off the bottom of the table. Defending champions Merthyr face a difficult task against Pontypridd at The Wern.
Historically both sides have been serious contenders for the Premiership, but have experienced disappointing seasons to date. Fourth-placed Llandovery will entertain ninth-placed Swansea at Church Bank.
Indigo Group Premiership fixtures – Saturday March 7
Merthyr v Pontypridd (1pm)
Bridgend v Carmarthen Quins (1.30pm)
Aberavon v Cardiff (2pm)
Ebbw Vale v RGC1404 (2pm)
Llandovery v Swansea (2pm)
