The Ravens take a skinny two-point advantage to the Recreation Ground in the two-leg series and face a testing task to make the Cup quarter-finals in the middle of January.
Pontypridd have a healthier 14-point advantage over Leeds Tykes after a superb performance at Sardis Road last weekend, but few teams have left Headingly with the points this season.
Coach Lynn Howells has virtually a fully fit squad to choose from and his international-laden side are a huge hope to gain a quarter-final berth to make up for the disappointment of being knocked out of the Celtic League by Neath.
In the European Shield, Caerphilly have a great chance to end this season’s run of 13 consecutive losses.
They take on Rugby Rovigo at Virginia Park after losing to the Italians by four points last weekend, despite out-scoring them four tries to two. Coach Mark Ring will demand nothing less than a win from his men.
Mike Ruddock’s Ebbw Vale side travel to Spain with a 21-point advantage over Madrid 2012 are should comfortably progress to the next round.
This weekend’s teams…
Bridgend: M James; C Warlow, G Thomas (capt), J Taumalolo, A Havili; S Mannix, S Martens; C Loader, G Williams, C Horsman, D Jones, A Moore, N Budgett, R Bryan, C Harris. Replacements: H Harries, R Mustoe, J Funnell, J Thiel, B Phillips, M Molitika, S van Rensburgh.
Caerphilly: S Tuipulotu; R Howells, R Boobyer, S Cox, G Lewis/T Taufahema; J Thomas, A Chilten; G Liddon, C Ferris (capt), R Skuse, P Jones, N Rouse, J El-Abd, S Granger, M Workman
Replacements: D Sweet, R Bilton, F Vunipola, A Williams, J Murphy, O Ashman, F McLoughlin
Ebbw Vale: R Davies; M Rowlands, R Shorney, E Binham, A Bevan; S Mitchell, B Shelbourne; A Black, L Phillips (capt), D penisini, O Booyse, N Edwards, C Billen, P Williams, K Tuipulotu
Replacements: K Gay, J Evans, W Thomas, P Sidoli, T Morris, G Betts, M Ridley
Pontypridd – Not yet available
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