Merthyr are the only side across the Pools who have qualified for the knock-out stages of the Cup. The Ironmen are eight points ahead of Bargoed in second with Pontypridd trailing a further point behind.
But across Pools 1, 2 and 4 things are hotting up with seven teams in with a shout of reaching the final four, with Wednesday’s final round promising to throw up a few surprises.
Newport and Bedwas will battle it out for top spot in Pool 1 in a winner takes all showdown at Rodney Parade. Cross Keys are leading the three team group, but cannot qualify because of their slender one-point advantage over the Black & Ambers.
And after missing out on Tier 1 of Premiership rugby for the second half of the season, Newport will have extra incentive to go after Challenge Cup success.
Llandovery will be needing a favour from Llanelli if they are to make the semi-finals. The Drovers will need to beat Swansea at St Helen’s first and hope Carmarthen Quins drop points at the Park against Llanelli. The Quins, who reached the semi-finals last season, lead the way in Pool 2 with 19 points with West-Walian rivals Llandovery three points adrift.
Pool 3 is all wrapped up, but Bargoed take on Ebbw Vale with their sights set on finishing the best of the rest behind the Ironmen who travel to Pontypridd in what should be an intriguing showdown between the two tier 1 sides.
It is all to play for in Pool 4 with Bridgend, Aberavon and Neath all in with a chance of qualifying. The Ravens head the group with 18 points with the Wizards trailing by one point. The Welsh All Blacks are four points behind Aberavon and have an outside chance of leapfrogging the leading pair.
Neath will need a hefty, bonus-point win over Bridgend at the Brewery Field and will be relying on Cardiff beating Aberavon. But things could get interesting should Bridgend beat Neath without a bonus-point, and Aberavon secure five points over Cardiff.
