Neath welcome back winger David Evans and flanker James Merriman from Wales Sevens duty but John Bowd is sidelined with a knee injury.
Last week, the Welsh All Blacks picked up a crucial 15-13 victory over Llanelli but the four-times Premiership champions are fully aware that their success will mean nothing unless they can build upon it at Pontypool and the side is unlikely to show too many changes from that which beat the League leaders last week.
Director of Rugby Rowland Phillips, said: “Last week’s victory over Llanelli was very important for us and for the other sides at the top of the division. It was the reward for the team’s enthusiasm, resolution and a never-say-die attitude that saw us finish strongly.
“Pontypool will present a similar challenge as they have a strong set-piece and can be expected to contest the contact area. We have a healthy respect for Pontypool rugby and take no notice of the League table as their home defeat by Cardiff last week was probably not a good thing for us.
“They certainly showed plenty of zeal and drive at The Gnoll on the opening day of the season and, although they have a lengthy injury-list, we know we will need to step up again from last week.”
Neath v Pontypool (Away) From:
G.King, M.Nuthall, D.Evans, K.Phillips, G.James, K.James, D.Lockyer, W.Mitchell, M.Jarvis, A.Thomas, M.James, K.Farrell, T.Knoyle; C.Mitchell, A.Howell, N.Downs, G.Price, A.James, E.Evans, H.Pugh, N.Edwards, C.Ruddock, L.Evans, J.Merriman, G.Gravell, L.Beach (captain)
