Consistency will be the key word for the Ponty squad, following some disappointing performances and results of late, as they push for the highest possible placing in a very competitive league table.
A narrow home win over Bedwas, but coming from a poor showing, and a frustrating loss away to Ebbw Vale, having dominated much of the game territorially, has been the storyline of Ponty’s league endeavours over the past two weeks. The squad will need to step up a gear to secure the double over the Wanderers, having gained a valuable away win over the Ely based club last December.
A combination of injuries, regional and international call-ups have once more had a bearing on the selection of the Pontypridd team. Skipper Nathan Strong limped off the park at the end of the Ebbw Vale game, and has failed to recover from the groin strain which he suffered. Sidelined with a similar injury, having only just recovered from a previous calf strain, is flanker Rhys Shellard. Hooker Duane Goodfield is out with rib damage, whilst winger Gavin Close remains a long term casualty with a knee injury.
Outside half Dai Flanagan will be away on regional duties with the senior Blues squad, whilst scrum half Rhys Downes and hooker Rhys Williams, with Wales U18, and centre Tom Riley, with the Wales Sevens, are all on national service for their country.
Lawrence Price is given a recall at full back for Pontypridd, with Chris Clayton returning from injury on the wing and Gareth McCarthy at outside half. Up front, prop Sam Hobbs is back on club duties following an extended stint with the Wales U20 squad, with Chris Dicomidis drafted back into the starting line up at lock.
Pontypridd: Lawrence Price; Chris Clayton, Gavin Dacey (Capt), Adam Thomas, Kristian Baller; Gareth McCarthy, Andrew Jenkins; Ian Poley, Leighton Davies, Sam Hobbs, Ryan Savage, Chris Dicomidis, Lee Evans, Wayne O’Connor, Geraint Lewis
Replacements: Matthew Hutchings, Paul Matthews, Stuart Williams, Lee Pearce, Ryan Harford, Chris Martenko, Grant Harrington
