Pontypridd travel to the Wern to face defending champions Merthyr in tonight’s National Cup quarter-final. Despite the formidable challenge Merthyr will pose Burnell is confident his side have the ability to beat them.
“Merthyr are an excellent side and it’s going to take the complete performance to beat them,” said the former Cardiff Blues coach.
“It would be a massive statement of intent if we could go up to the Wern and knock Merthyr out of the cup. I can assure everyone that we’re not going there to make the numbers up.
“We’re going to the Wern to give it our best shot and hopefully win the game. The reason we train so hard is to make finals and win silverware but you’ve got to beat the best sides if you want to do that.
“They have a strong set-piece and they are very physical all over the park. We’re preparing for a big set-piece game and the physicality they offer outside of that. So the big thing for us is managing their physicality.”
Elsewhere in the National Cup Bridgend face a daunting trip to runaway Championship leaders Pontypool in a game which takes on extra significance for Ravens head coach Matt Silva.
Silva enjoyed two stints at Pontypool Park in his playing days and started at outside half against the touring All Blacks in 1989. Pontypool may have won their previous 41 games but Silva is confident his side will have too much quality on Saturday.
“Their form doesn’t mean much to us because we’ve become really battle hardened over the last few months,” said Silva. “This squad we’ve got is desperate to be successful and it’s showing in our performances.
“Pontypool have won a lot of their games comfortably and even though they’re a good side it will be interesting to see how they front-up on what is more of a level playing field for them. For me the Pontypool game is about keeping our winning mentality going.
“It’s easier said than done but being in a quarter-final if we win our next three Welsh Cup games then we will win some silverware which is a big incentive.”
In the other two cup ties Cardiff will sense a golden opportunity to move a step closer to lifting the cup for the first time since 1997 when they welcome Bedwas to the Arms Park while Euros Evans’ Llandovery host Swansea at Church Bank.
Meanwhile Llanelli welcome Cross Keys to Parc Y Scarlets in the Principality Premiership this weekend in what is a vitally important clash with both sides facing the threat of relegation. Carmarthen Quins will be hoping to move into the top half of the table as they face already relegated Neath at the Gnoll.
NATIONAL CUP
FRIDAY
Merthyr v Pontypridd (7.05pm)
SATURDAY
Llandovery v Swansea (2.30pm)
Pontypool v Bridgend (2.30pm)
Cardiff v Bedwas (2.30pm)
PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP
SATURDAY
Llanelli v Cross Keys (2.30pm)
Neath v Carmarthen Quins (2.30pm)
