McIntosh was today announced as the new defence coach at Cardiff Blues, meaning the meeting with the Exiles is likely to be his last game in charge of the current Principality Premiership champions.
The man affectionately known as Chief has been at Sardis Road for more than 25 years since arriving in Wales from New Zealand. And with his time at the club coming to an end, tomorrow’s encounter at The House of Pain promises to be a poignant one for the man himself as well as both supporters and players.
Looking ahead to the game, an emotional McIntosh said: “It’s massive for me for different reasons. First and foremost it’s important for the club and the supporters. Secondly for the players – they’ve been tremendous and I know I’m leaving them in a great position and in great hands.
“I’ve achieved a lot at Pontypridd because I’ve had the players to do it with. I’ve had a close knit squad which is why I get emotional when I talk about it.”
With McIntosh bidding farewell and former Pontypridd man Justin Burnell returning to Wales as head coach of London Welsh, tomorrow’s game is an intriguing one in a number of ways.
Pontypridd started their British & Irish Cup campaign with a convincing win over Edinburgh Academicals and McIntosh knows his side must be at their best to make it two wins from two.
“We’re turning up the gears and we went straight to gear six against Edinburgh – they couldn’t live with us,” he said.
“We’ll need that on Saturday against London Welsh. Their defeat last week will bear no relevance on our fixture against them and we can read little into that result.”
For tomorrow’s game, Pontypridd field an imposing side against the side top of the English Championship. Jake Thomas is out with a broken wrist but Blues flanker and Wales Under 20 skipper Ellis Jenkins is a more than adequate replacement. Wales Sevens skipper Adam Thomas and flanker Rhys Shellard both return and start among the replacements where they are joined by Blues lock Macauley Cook.
“We’re really excited to see Ellis in a Ponty shirt,” said McIntosh. “He’s a kid I’ve coached since he was 14 and he’s captained all my sides. He looks excited to pull the jersey on and we’ve got Macauley Cook as well who’s played for us before. They’re really good lads and know what Pontypridd is all about.”
With Gordon Ross and former Pontypridd man Sonny Parker in the London Welsh side, the Oxford based club are a formidable opposition. McIntosh will also go head to head with Burnell, who was previously in charge at Sardis Road.
“Justin’s pedigree as a past Ponty player and coach ensures that he understands our club values and he will no doubt prepare his team accordingly” said McIntosh.
“Our support up in Edinburgh was phenomenal and we will need more of the same at home. As a squad we feel proud to play in front of the massed ranks of black and white on the terraces.
“That epitomises what our club is all about as a close knit rugby community and it will hopefully spur us on to success on the day.”
Burnell said: “Pontypridd is a fantastic club steeped in history and I’m really looking forward to it.
“They’ve an amazing following and they’ll be over 2,000 in there on Saturday baying for blood. Some of our players will have never experienced that.”
“Dale epitomises what Pontypridd is all about. He’s been Ponty through and through since he arrived from New Zealand and I’m really looking to going to see my old mate.”
In the other British & Irish Cup fixtures taking place tomorrow, Aberavon host Andy Robinson’s Bristol at the Talbot Athletic Ground. Sam Davies moves from full back to fly half and will be a key man for Simon King’s side after kicking the Wizards to victory over Gala last weekend.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge this weekend,” said King.
“Bristol are a fully professional outfit and it is an excellent opportunity for our players to continue their development in such a fixture. The team played very well last weekend and came away with a well-deserved victory.
“Our preparations have again been very good and the players are looking forward to this new challenge. We need the supporters to get behind the team now and help us challenge for a win.”
On the outskirts of London, Cross Keys take a strong side to tackle the Ealing Trailfinders. Promising young centre Tyler Morgan gets a chance to impress with Greg Woods welcoming back Wales Sevens star Rhys Jones at full back.
Llanelli face a repeat of last season’s quarter final as they travel to Goldington Road to take on Bedford Blues. Kevin George’s side demolished Connacht Eagles last weekend but this promises to be an altogether tougher fixture.
