The Welsh All Blacks enjoyed a late run in the league last season that nearly saw them snatch the title from eventual winners Llanelli. Newport took the runners-up spot, and Neath finished third with 14 wins and six defeats.
This season Neath have ground out results largely thanks to the ever-dependable boot of Lee Jarvis, and have qualified for the final eight of the Celtic League, and are still in with a shout in the Heineken Cup.
But this weekend it is back to domestic action, and coach Lyn Jones says he needs his side to perform well if they are to come away from Caerphilly with the points.
‘As we enter a new competition it is important that we continue with the high standards we have achieved in other competitions over recent weeks in order to secure a win at Caerphilly,’ he said.
Club captain Gareth Llewellyn is off on international duty with Wales, and scrum-half Patrick Horgan will be captain for the day.
Jones said: ‘Patrick has played well this season, has regained his form since recovering from injury, and thoroughly deserves to deputise for Gareth.’
Despite Caerphilly’s disappointing results in the Celtic League, and opening night Welsh Premiership 36-10 defeat to Newport, assistant Neath coach Rowland Phillips – who is included in the playing staff for Saturday’s game – is not discounting the threat of the Castletown men.
‘Caerphilly are a team who are underestimated in Welsh rugby. They may not have household names in their squad but they are a side that fights to the last minute of the game, and are always a danger.
‘Mark Ring as a player was always an entertainer and he will instil this in his side. We will expect the unexpected, and as they have shown against Harlequins, they are a side that can raise their game if and when necessary.’
Neath team (from): Adrian Durston, James Storey/John Leyshon, Dave Tiueti, Allan Bateman, Shane Williams, Kevin James, Lee Jarvis, Shaun Connor,Sean Marsden, Patrick Horgan (c), Rowland Phillips, Steve Tandy, Steve Martin, Lyndon Bateman, Andy Newman, Alfie Mocelutu, Hywel Jenkins, Adam Jones, Barry Williams, Steve Jones, Duncan Jones, Paul James.
Related Stories
Montgomery Joins Newport
Newport and Ebbw Vale start well
