After one of the wettest February months on record in parts of south Wales, Evans is desperately keen for the semi-final clash with Ebbw Vale to be played on a dry surface.
Groundsman at the Talbot Athletic Ground is Rowan Jenkins, who also doubles as the loose head prop at Aberavon. He might not be able to do much about the rain, but Evans is hoping he can make the pitch as hard and flat as possible.
“We’ve played Ebbw Vale twice this season in difficult conditions and we’d love to have a hard and dry surface on which to play. That would really suit our natural style of play,” said Evans.
“We know what they are all about, and how strong they are up front, so it would be nice to avoid a mud wrestling match. We’re both without some Wales U20 players and it will be a test of the strength of our squads.
“A league and cup double is possible for both clubs at the moment, so there is a lot at stake. We just want to keep building on our league form.”
The Steelmen drew first blood this season with a 25-17 home win on 12 October, while the Drovers replied with a 17-15 win at Church Bank in January. Llandovery currently lead the Indigo Premiership by 10 points from Newport, who have a game in hand, while Ebbw are five points further back in third.
Playing at a neutral won’t be a problem to the Drovers, who have won their last four games in a row on the road. Jason Strange’s Ebbw Vale side have scored 103 points in their last two games.
WRU PREMIERSHIP CUP SEMI FIINAL TEAMS
Llandovery: Jac Davies; Harri Doel, Adam Warren, Rhodri Jones, Aaron Warren; Ioan Hughes, Lee Rees; Jamie Hughes, Taylor Davies, Berian Watkins, Jack Jones (captain), Chris Long, Osian Davies, Stuart Worrall, Joe Powell
Reps: Dino Dallavalle, Craig Thomas, Llyr Green, Marco Dallavalle, Nathan Hart, Ilan Phillips, Jack Maynard, Dafydd LandEbbw Vale: Morgan Richards; Ewan Bowden, Ethan Phillips, Dom Franchi, Jordan Thomas; Evan Lloyd, Jon Evans; Luke Garrett, Joe Franchi (captain), Adam Court, Dylan Bartlett, Curtis Gregory, Cameron Regan, Lewis Young, Alex Howes
Reps (from): Morgan Davies, Rhys Francis, Harry Drane, Ewan McIntyre, Ben Main, Ryan Jenkins, Rory Harries, Kieran Meek, Reece DunnMerthyr: Gareth Thompson; Morgan Meaclem, Cole Swannack, Morgan Sieniawksi, Adam Hospkins; Josh Lewis, Ethan Lloyd; Callum Lewis, Ellis Shipp, Rhys Lewis, Craig Locke, Paddy McBride (captain), Kian Evans, Jack Perkins, Lennon Greggains
Reps: Ben Rhodes, Travis Hawkins, Dave Whiting, Callum Bradbury, Ben Sier, James Soanes, Seb Ripley, Lloyd RowlandsSwansea: Harri Houston; Gareth O. Rees, Joe Thomas, Tom Florence, Brandon Wood; Rhys Jones, Gareth J. Rees; Daf Davies, Llew Phillips-Taylor, Ed Thompson, Lloyd Ashley, Matt Dodd, Tristan Davies, Callum Bowden (captain), Cai Davies
Reps: Jamie Cox, Tom Sloane, Tom Crockett, Sam Pailor, Lloyd Evans, Dan Roderick, Sam Matthews, Llien Morgan
The other semi-final sees the 2018 champions Merthyr take on Swansea, who haven’t been in the final since 2000 and last won the trophy in 1999. The All Whites have only won five league games this season but will come into the game on the back of a 12-7 home win over Carmarthen Quins.
“Anything can happen in a cup tie and we’re all extremely excited at the prospect of reaching a cup final. We haven’t done that for quite a while and we’d love to reward our fans,” said Swansea assistant coach Sam Parris-Williams.
“We’ve got Harri Houston, Llien Morgan, Tom Florence, Tristan Davies and Dafydd Davies, all top young talent from the Ospreys available to us and it will be great for them to get a taste of a cup semi-final.
“We know Merthyr have had some impressive league wins and have a really talented squad. They are an absolute threat, but we feel we can go to Bridgend and do something special.”
