Following on from a crunch top of the table clash with Neath last time out, Ponty will need to maintain the momentum gathered in winning that encounter by going all out for another victory at Pontypool Park.
The reverse fixture back towards the end of September saw Pontypridd gain a home win over their Gwent opponents by 24-13.
‘Pooler’ have since then been hovering just above the relegation zone, but have consolidated a position of safety with some hard fought victories epitomising the fighting spirit of the “Viet-Gwent”.
In an attempt to keep the squad fresh and to utilise the strength in depth available, Pontypridd once more make a number of changes from the starting line up which nailed the all important home win over Neath. Matthew Nuthall, Lewis Williams and Chris Clayton form a new attacking back three with Dean Gunter stepping in at No 10.
Huw Dowden, recovered from a long standing hamstring injury, is given the hooker’s berth with Jake Thomas occupying the blindside flanker position, allowing Darren Waters to revert to the openside.
Pontypridd: 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Lewis Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Garyn Lucas; 1.Stuart Williams. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Jake Thomas. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Chris Dicomidis (Capt)
Replacements: Kristian Baller; Simon Humberstone; Gary Williams; Tom Hetherington; Wayne O’Connor; Owen Sheppeard; Chris Phillips.
