The match will no doubt have great significance for both teams, Ponty continuing to give an opportunity to a number of trialists, and the Blues under the mentorship of new coaches Justin Burnell and Gareth Baber formulating a squad to see them through the World Cup period without their Wales international stars.
Such is the current structure of Welsh rugby that there is a good deal of common ground between Pontypridd and the Blues, with a number of Academy and age grade players now well used to turning out for both club and region.
For the Sardis Road support there will be an added edge to the encounter as the traditional rivalry between Ponty and Cardiff infuses into the prospect of taking on the Blues regional entity.
Taking an objective view of what will be a crucial preparation for his squad is Pontypridd assistant coach Paul John.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to play against fully professional opposition” said Paul John in the build up to the big game, “and we are grateful to the Blues for their co-operation.
“It will be a stern test for our players, a real tester leading up to the new season. We had a good confidence booster against Abercwmboi last weekend but the Blues game will now entail a massive step up. Hopefully our players will continue to express themselves and we can learn more about them in what promises to be a competitive fixture.”
The interaction of players between the Pontypridd and Blues squads is a positive factor in John’s mind.
“We will see a number of familiar faces in the regional team on Friday, with our Academy members, senior players such as Rhys Downes and Sam Hobbs, and the new recruit Ryan Harford. Players aspire to professional status and an opportunity to play in a fixture such as this will be good for them.”
Paul John’s hopes are for a good game of rugby played in front of the traditionally passionate Sardis crowd.
“We should see a strong turn out of support at Sardis on Friday night” said John. “This a great home fixture for us, an occasion which our fans can enjoy.”
