Despite horrendous injury problems this year, the Welsh All Blacks have battled their way to top spot in the League but there is little between the sides who would be level if Ponty win their two games in hand.
Earlier in the season, Pontypridd won 18-13 at The Gnoll and All Blacks’ coach Patrick Horgan is waiting to see how some of the injured react to Thursday night’s training session before finalising his side.
“I’ve never encountered anything like it,” said Horgan, “Nofewer than 20 players required medical clearance before training this week. Injuries have played a big part in our season so far but the boys’ commitment has really been outstanding – second to none.
“I don’t think any other club would have coped like we have and these boys deserve the support of every Neath supporter. The crowd really got behind the boys last week and cheered us on to victory against a game Cross Keys side.
“We have been fortunate that clubs like Ebbw Vale, Llangennech, Merthyr, Neath Athletic, Tata, Waunarlwydd and Whitland have regularly helped us out by permitting players. Our resources have been stretched but the upside has been that several younger lads have been given opportunities and many have seized them.
“Six of our players were drafted for the Welsh Premiership XV to play Georgia next week but all are in the list of casualties although we are hoping to get a few back against Pontypridd in the Cup on Saturday. The situation is very fluid and I cannot remember a run like this but one thing is certain – whoever takes the field will give their all for the Neath shirt.”
Captain Gareth Gravell is among those hoping to play while Gareth King and Nathan Brew resume behind the scrum.
Ponty claimed the trophy with a hard won victory over Aberavon at the Millennium Stadium back in May of last year, and the prospect of returning to that venue with their dedicated support for another tilt at the trophy will be the motivation to battle out a win at the Gnoll.
Pontypridd will be buoyed by a big 41-16 home league win over Bridgend in their last appearance, also by a relatively injury free squad. Scrum half Garyn Lucas and prop Chris Phillips both with knee problems, and hooker Jack Dando with a dislocated shoulder, are the only casualties.
Centre Adam Thomas and winger Owen Williams are both away with the Wales Sevens squad, and lock Cory Hill and prop Ryan Harford on duty with the Blues.
Neath (Probable)
A.Bramwell; K.James, G.King, N.Brew, E.Jones; D.Langdon, C.Morgans; N.Downs, R.Clancy, T.Price; E.Evans, R.Jones; L.Evans, A.Powell, G.Gravell (captain)
Replacements – O.Ford, A.James, J.Reeves, L.Ward, M.Rees, G.McCarthy, T.Barry
Pontypridd 15.Gareth Wyatt. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Matthew Nuthall. 10.Simon Humberstone. 9.Lewis Jones; 1.Stuart Williams. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis – cpt. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Dan Godfrey.
Replacements: Rhys Downes; Lewis K Williams; Gary Williams; Tom Hetherington; Jake Thomas; Owen Sheppeard; Ken Knaggs.
