The 37-year-old old South African agreed to come out of retirement to help out due to a second row injury and availability crisis at Newport and has been a tower of strength. He made four appearances in the Newport Premiership side in 2018 and is set to add to his tally this season at Bridgend tonight (Thursday, 14 Dec).
“Rynard has stepped in to help us out and he’s been great. He has made himself available through the Christmas period and we’re delighted,” said Morris.
As well as his experience and physical presence at the heart of the pack, Morris is delighted to welcome back Matt O’Brien at outside half for the first time in more than a month. He will have Dragons Academy star Hari Ackerman lining-up outside half after his recovery from injury.
O’Brien has been missing in recent weeks due to his commitment to the Dragons regional team as a backs coach. He spent two weeks in South Africa and was then involved with the EPCR Challenge Cup clash with Oyonnax last weekend.
Jacob Lloyd and Carwyn Penney have been sharing the duties in his absence, but head coach Ty Morris is delighted to have his talisman back in action.
“Matt brings a level of experience and control that will be vital for what is going to be a very tough trip to Bridgend. They are one of the most improved teams in the Indigo Premiership and they are one of the dark horses for the play-offs,” said Morris.
“We haven’t played for a fortnight and we were really disappointed when our home game against Neath was postponed. We wanted to get back on the horse after defeat at Llandovery.
“But the two-week break has given us a chance to get a few more players fit, given us more time to prepare and everyone is now raring to go.”
The game will give the Black & Ambers the chance to move back up into second place and overtake Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale, in second, and Pontypool. They have a game in hand on both and could move to within four points of league leaders Llandovery with a full house of points.
It is now more than a month since Morris’ men last tasted victory, a very sweet 26-15 win over Cardiff at the Arms Park. Since then they have bone to defeat to both Ebbw Vale and Llandovery.
“We need to get back to winning ways after recent results so that we can maintain the pressure on the teams above us,” added Morris.
“We’ve stayed in contact despite the back-to-back defeats and it would be great to get another win under our belts before we go to Pontypool Park for the Christmas class with Pooler on Saturday, 23 December.”
