Ex-Scarlets, Gloucester and Wales caretaker coach Nigel Davies needs his Ebbw Vale side to come up with a bonus point victory at home to Aberavon on Sunday to guarantee a top three finish in the Principality Premiership, while former Scarlets and Blues coach Phil Davies needs his RGC 1404 team to win at Pontypool in the SSE Swalec Championship to remain in the promotion hunt.
Both competitions are heading for frantic finishes, with four teams chasing the one remaining place in the Premiership play-offs and three clubs vying for the final two promotion places from the Championship. It is going to be a weekend for cool heads off the pitch and precision tactics on it.
Davies’ Steelmen have their fate in their own hands as they bid for a second successive trip into the play-offs. The problem is that Aberavon are also in the hunt, along with Cross Keys and Newport.
“It’s almost knock-out rugby, like a cup quarter-final, but at least were in a good position to be in knowing what we need to do,” said Davies.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity after building momentum with a great run of 10 wins and we have given ourselves a great chance of getting into the play-offs again. I suppose it was inevitable that we would drop off at some stage after winning so many on the bounce.
“Aberavon came through against Cross Keys in midweek by playing expansive rugby, putting width on the ball and using their dangerous runners to try and move around a heavier pack. I expect them to try and do the same against us.
“Playing them is similar to going up against Llandovery. You have to stay switched on in defence and, as much as anything else, keep concentrating.”
Ebbw Vale have received a boost ahead of their big game with lock Damien Hudd having his red card for a high tackle against Bedwas last month rescinded. They will also have the luxury of knowing exactly what Cross Keys and Newport have done the day before.
Any sort of win for Pontypridd will be enough to guarantee them top spot and home advantage in the Premiership Final once again. They are seeking a record fifth successive title and have home advantage over Bedwas this weekend.
The challenge for Davies’ north Wales side is to go to Pontypool and pick up a bonus-point win to cut the 10 point gap between them and their hosts. The top four teams are guaranteed promotion to the Premiership for the next three seasons and RGC are currently in fifth place.
They have a game in hand on Pontypool, who are currently in third place. Fourth placed Bargoed, the reigning champions, also have a game in hand on Pontypool and are due to host them on 30 April.
RGC end their season with three away games, travelling to Cardiff Met and Glynneath in their final matches. Bargoed, who travel to Tata Steel this weekend, end their season with a home game against Glynneath.
