Bridgend looked to have turned a corner following a huge win over Cardiff (26-5) and a close defeat to Llanelli, but the boys from Gwent put Bridgend to the sword in an impressive 46-24 win at the Bridgend Ford Brewery Field on Saturday, which throws Bridgend back into relegation trouble.
The Ravens will be boosted knowing that they have already beaten the capital side earlier on in the campaign. They also defeated the Blue and Blacks at the Arms Park last season, albeit in the British and Irish Cup.
Bridgend head coach Ben Rose has described the clash as a huge opportunity for his side. He said: “This is the first opportunity to right the wrongs from the weekend. It is also the first opportunity for us to play on the plastic pitch. It is all about the opportunity for this group of players, staff and management.”
Ross Jones returns to the starting lineup for Rose’s side. He replaces Owen Howe who has been diagnosed with mumps. Rhys Ward Jones also makes a comeback after injury.
In other changes, Tom Grabham captains the side, with Jon Vaughan coming in for Bill Carey and Matt Dwyer replacing Greg George who is on duty with Wales students. The impressive Kyle Evans also makes a return, replacing Graham Knoop, and Marc Thomas makes the first XV. On the bench, Nathan Edwards and Jamie Murphy both return from injury in a huge boost for Bridgend.
Bridgend XV: 15.Ross Jones 14. Tom Grabham (c) 13. Ryan Evans 12. Adam Williams 11. Rhys Ward-Jones 10. James Dixon 9. Chris Williams 1. Marc Thomas 2. Matt Dwyer 3. Cai Lewis 4. Kyle Evans 5. Ben Jones 6. Jon Vaughan 8. David Barry 7. Lloyd Evans
Replacements: Ash James, Gary Carpenter, Jon Thomas, Bill Carey, Adam O’Driscoll, Nathan Edwards, Ryan Owen & Jamie Murphy.
