After seeing their hopes of winning a second successive double dashed by WRU National Cup final defeat to Cardiff a fortnight ago, Dale McIntosh is desperate to see his side retain their league title.
But he has warned the Ironmen they face a tough challenge against RGC who will relish playing on a 4G surface at The Wern.
“We were down and bleeding big time after losing to Cardiff in the WRU National Cup final,” Merthyr head coach McIntosh.
“It was huge to get back on to the horse after the cup disappointment and beat Carmarthen Quins last weekend.
Despite being gutted at not winning the double we’ve got a chance to end the season with some silverware and we’re desperate to win the Premiership.
“It doesn’t get any easier because RGC can beat anyone on their day,” said McIntosh.
“They’re a very tough side to break down and they’re very fit. They’re a very well coached side and Mark Jones has done a fantastic job. We need another big performance from our boys if we are to win the Premiership on Friday night.”
RGC are fresh off the back of a resounding 82-24 victory over Cross Keys last weekend. And their head coach and former winger Jones is delighted with the way his players have developed over the course of the season.
“Over the season we have picked up 11 to 12 losing bonus points and we can put some of that down to the experience levels in the squad. Again we are learning game to game,” said Jones.
“It is a steep learning curve for the players as we don’t have the opportunity to give them Division One or Championship experience. As a young player you have to develop and step up quickly to the speed of the game in the Premiership.”
