Six of the eight mouthwatering clashes pit Welsh rugby’s top flight sides against those fighting for a place amongst the elite.
Championship front-runners Merthyr are out to make a statement of intent by claiming the scalp of Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets. The valleys side have won their last 14-matches with a bonus-point and are on-course to join the Scarlets in the Premiership next season. Llanelli, who sit comfortably mid-table after two wins in-a-row, will have to face a pair of new Merthyr signings in former Pontypridd centre Gavin Dacey, and ex Cardiff Blues lock Miles Normandale.
Premiership champions Pontypridd lost their cup crown to Bridgend Ravens last season, and another side from the same town are out to stop their charge in round two. Bridgend Athletic received a bye in round one, but have been handed the toughest of second round draws. Ponty are third in the Premiership, but could go top if they win their game in-hand, but in contrast, Athletic have suffered five straight defeats, and sit in 12th.
Aberavon occupy top spot in the Premiership, but face a tricky trip North to Colwyn Bay to take on RGC 1404. The North Walians thrashed Llanharan 93-0 to book their date against the Wizards, who clung on to first place with a 46-12 triumph over Bridgend Ravens last weekend.
Beddau face SWALEC Cup champions Bridgend Ravens tonight at Mount Pleasant Park in their rearranged round one clash, to decide who goes through to face 2012 cup champions Cross Keys at home. The Ravens shocked Ponty at the Millennium Stadium to lift their first cup silverware since 1980.
The only other all-Premiership clash sees Bedwas travel east to Carmarthen Quins. Bedwas won a thrilling clash earlier in the season as they claimed a 40-30 triumph at home. Newcastle Emlyn overcame Glynneath away from home, and their reward was a home clash against Premiership high-flyers Ebbw Vale. Nigel Davies’ men have won their last three matches, while Emlyn struggle in 10th place in the Championship.
Neath saw off stiff competition from Bargoed in round one, and now face a resurgent Cardiff Met side, who have won their last match against Bridgend Athletic to jump into seventh place.The Welsh All Blacks are still rock bottom of the Premiership, and the students will be sensing an upset.
Our last round two clash sees high-flying Llandovery welcome Gwent’s Championship side Newbridge.
There is also action from the SSE Swalec Bowl and Plate, here are the fixtures:
SSE SWALEC PLATE
Round 3
Bala v Skewen
Dunvant v Treorchy
Glamorgan Wanderers v Trebanos
Pencoed v Cwmllynfell
SSE SWALEC BOWL
Round 3
Brynithel vs. Ogmore Vale
Cardiff Medicals v Haverfordwest
Glyncoch v Vardre
Round 4
Burry Port v Cowbridge
Fairwater v Taffs Well
