Ponty host English Championship side Bristol at Sardis Road on Saturday (2.30pm) and are expecting a bumper crowd for the semi-final clash.
The Welsh side are unbeaten in the competition this year and assistant coach Paul John is relishing the challenge which lies ahead.
“It’s an exciting time for the club and especially the boys playing against quality opposition like Bristol,” he said.
“We have watched some of Bristol’s games, they are a very physical side with some strong ball carriers so it will be very difficult but we will keep playing the way we play and hopefully we will cause them some problems.
“We are expecting a big crowd on Saturday, it will probably be the biggest occasion at the club for some time which is fantastic for the supporters. They are probably some of the best fans in Wales, they travel everywhere with us, even to places like Doncaster and Ayr, so it’s great for them to have a day in the sun like this.
“The British & Irish Cup has been great for us, it gives us the chance to play different, quality teams, and to rediscover what we and the fans enjoyed so much about the Heineken Cup.”
Although Ponty are still in the running for three titles this season, they are confident their squad has enough reserves in the tank.
“The competition within the squad has been superb all season, the boys have really pushed each other all the way. It’s given Dale (head coach Dale McIntosh) and I some selection headaches but they are good problems to have.
“We are fully aware we haven’t won anything yet this season, we’ve made it to two finals – in the SWALEC Cup and Principality Premiership but we’re fully focussed on getting to the British & Irish Cup final now on Saturday, with the added incentive that we’d be playing at home.”
Ticket sales for the match have been going well and the clubhouse at Pontypridd is open every morning and evening this week between 9am to 11:30am and 7pm to 9pm selling tickets.
Pre-purchase is strongly recommended but walk-up tickets will also be available from 11am on Saturday, anyone without a ticket on Saturday is urged to arrive as early as possible.
