The Scarlets have only been beaten once this season while Neath have lost five times already and look unlikely to retain the trophy they have owned for the past four seasons.
But the Welsh All Blacks have scored more points and tries than their visitors and they will be keen to put the midweek defeat to Glamorgan Wanderers behind them. It was the boot of Luke Richards that kicked Llanelli to victory at Ebbw Vale on their last outing and Neath will have to watch the penalty count as it could prove costly.
Neath Director of Rugby Rowland Phillips, said: “Our frustrations so far this season have been apparent to all but the visit of Llanelli as league leaders is the perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate renewed enthusiasm and resolution.
“Llanelli are the most consistent side in the League at the present time with 10 wins out of 11 although Newport are breathing down their necks. So far, only Pontypridd have beaten them so it will take a big effort on our part.
“The return of several players will freshen up our approach and there should be a good crowd for one of the big, traditional derby fixtures at The Gnoll.”
Newport will be hoping that Llanelli slip up at Neath because victory over visitors Bedwas could see the Black and Ambers hitting the top of the table. They have already lost two matches at Rodney Parade this season but Bedwas are without an away victory from five outings, Newport will be confident they have the firepower to record their ninth league victory. They are the Premier’s leading try and points scorers but Bedwas will be keen to add to their surprise midweek victory over Bridgend.
Llandovery have clawed their way back into contention yet still lie at the bottom of the division. They host a Pontypridd side fresh from a 60-0 hammering of Cross Keys and the Drovers will do well to keep Ponty at bay. Llandovery’s failure to cross their opponents line could prove costly as to date they have only scored 12 touchdowns from their 11 matches while Ponty scored nine in that win at Pandy Park.
Aberavon travel to Eugene Cross Park to take on an Ebbw Vale outfit that has only won two of their six home matches. The Wizards have done reasonably well on their travels and have come back from Newport and Swansea with victories. The Steelmen are another side that find tries hard to come by and with just a draw and two defeats from their last three matches they have been sliding down the table. The Wizards are up in third spot and could consolidate that position with victory over their hosts.
Bridgend and Cross Keys were both beaten last time out and they meet in a crucial match at the Brewery Field. Keys are still suffering from that midweek mauling by Pontypridd but had won three in a row before that. The Ravens have been very inconsistent this season and unless they can string a couple of victories together they may find themselves battling it out in a relegation fight while Keys can ill afford another pounding as they already have the worst points-against record in the Premier Division.
Cardiff have played two games less than most clubs and they travel to Pontypool Park looking for a win that will take them into the top half of the table. The capital side has been short on tries this season and they have failed to register a touchdown in three of their matches away from the Arms Park. Pooler are little better at try scoring but with eight defeats already they are facing a swift return to Division One unless they can find some winning form.
Welsh internationals Chris Czekaj, Rhys Williams and player-coach Lee Jarvis are again included in Cardiff’s 22. It will be the Blue & Blacks’ first league visit to Pontypool Park since November 2005 when they lost 12-13. Last season they fared better with a 62-13 victory in the third round of the cup.
Glamorgan Wanderers travel to Swansea in the last of the weekend’s fixtures. They are enjoying a good season but must start winning on the road on a regular basis. The All Whites have been disappointing and it is six games since they last won a league match. With victory over Neath last time out, Wanderers will be confident they can gain another win but defeat for Swansea could mean they are also drawn into the fight at the bottom of the division.
In the Wanderers back division, after impressing against the Blues and Neath, Nick Gill gets his first start of the season at centre alongside Jamie Jones.
In the pack Ryan Price starts at hooker with Mark O’Leary in for Scott Andrews at tighthead prop. On the bench Richard Hodges is able to call upon John Yapp who, after impressing as man of the match for Wales against Canada, steps up to the Wanderers for the very first time. He is joined on the bench by Mike Grimes who returns after missing the Neath victory with flu.
