Justin Burnell’s side are unbeaten at home this season, but have yet to register a victory away from Sardis Road in the Premiership Cup. Saturday poses a difficult challenge with Pontypridd facing a trip to Newport who currently occupy top place in the eastern conference.
But Wales under 20s full-back Richards, who used to play for Newport, believes his side have the ability to knock over the Black & Ambers. “I know Newport very well,” said Richards.
“They are a team who want to play some running rugby. They’ve got a very good combination at 10 and 12, and their whole back division is full of skills.
“We have prepared well for them. They’ve got some good individuals so we need to be at our best.
“We need to clean up on some of the stuff from last week and we’ll see where that takes us. We are undefeated at Sardis Road this season which is very important to us but we need to take that form onto the road now if we want to be contenders.”
Elsewhere, in the eastern conference Cardiff are overwhelming favourites in their clash with bottom of the table RGC in Colwyn Bay, with the Blue & Blacks fielding a number of regional players. Merthyr will be hopeful of building on last weekend’s stunning victory over Cardiff, as they travel to Ebbw Vale.
In the western conference Aberavon are expected to solidify their position at the top of the table with a fixture against struggling Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets. The Wizards have three former Wales under 20s players in their ranks in the shape of centre Joe Thomas along with props Rhys Fawcett and Nicky Thomas.
Second placed Llandovery will be hoping to put the pressure on Aberavon but face a tricky trip to Swansea. The All Whites will be full of confidence after a notable away win at Bridgend last Saturday, but arguably face a tougher encounter against the Drovers.
“We bounced back well from our defeat to Bridgend last weekend,” said Llandovery head coach Euros Evans. “We’ve been playing well this season and but will need to be at our best against Swansea.
“I’ve been pleased with the way our forwards in particular have gone especially young tight-head prop Harri O’Connor who has been putting in some big shifts for us in the scrums.” Third placed Carmarthen Quins know they have to overcome a dangerous Bridgend outfit today in west Wales to have any chance of making the final.
In the Championship Cup Maesteg Harlequins host Ystrad Rhondda, Bargoed travel to Narberth, and Neath take on Glamorgan Wanderers at Sardis Road.
