Gareth Jenkins insists Pontypridd provide the toughest obstacle of the season ahead of Saturday’s Principality Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.
The Llanelli coach quashed suggestions that Heineken Cup finalists Leicester provided their sternest test claiming the valley commandos will offer a closer examination.
Jenkins takes his troops into the showpiece event fresh from sealing the Welsh-Scottish league title after an epic clash against Cardiff last weekend.
But with Pontypridd’s cup exploits this season both sides are hoping to produce an entertaining final for the supporters.
“This is undoubtedly the biggest challenge we are going to face this season,” said Jenkins.
“Leicester provide us with a particular challenge which we were comfortable with. But Pontypridd offers a different challenge all together.
“I can’t believe how Pontypridd have grown as a side and the quality performances they have put in.
“There are so many things they do well. It will be a huge task to cope with them.”
The Sardis Road side have a crunch fortnight looming which will decide if they are able to put any silverware in the trophy cabinet.
After Saturday’s encounter they will take on Sale in next weekend’s European Parker Pen Shield final at the The Kassam Stadium, Oxford.
Pontypridd coach Lynn Howells knows the importance of the next two matches and says he is taking one game at a time.
“We must put all thoughts of the Sale game out of our minds when we take on Llanelli.
“They have shown terrific form of late and have proved they are capable of winning one off games.
“It should be a great game of rugby and we are all looking forward to it.”
Llanelli: B Davies; M Jones, M Cardey, L Davies, S Finau; S Jones, G Easterby; M Madden, R McBryde, J Davies, V Cooper, C Wyatt, D Hodges, S Easterby, S Quinnell
Pontypridd: B Davey; G Wyatt, S Parker, J Bryant, M Nuttall; C Sweeney, P John; G Jenkins, M Davies, D Bell, B Cockbain, R Sidoli, N Kelly, R Parks, M Owen
