Last time out in the league, Neath pulled off an impressive 28-15 win over Principality Premiership leaders Llandovery and the Welsh All Blacks make five changes with wing David Evans, centres Gareth King and Aaron Bramwell, prop Owain Ford and flanker Leon Ward returning.
Coach Patrick Horgan said, “We are under no illusions as to how tough it will be at Pontypool who have had some notable wins recently. We have always enjoyed good relations with Pontypool and fully respect the traditions of a club that historically has always held similar values to our own.
“Our boys are pulling together hard and last time out we played some very good rugby and earned a splendid win over Llandovery – a result that upset a lot of predictions. But every member of our squad knows that we must produce the same effort again – more so, in fact – if we are to progress.”
Neath A.Jenkins D.Evans, A.Bramwell, G.King, Jamie Davies; D.Langdon, C.Morgans; O.Ford, A.Littlehales, T.Price; E.Evans, J.Griffiths; G.Gravell (captain), A.Powell, L.Ward
Replacements from J.Reeves, A.James, T.Davies, E.Hopkins, T.Barry, S.Gibson, C.Clement, N.Brew