The third season of Super Rygbi Cymru kicks-off this afternoon with reigning champions Llandovery facing a tough away trip to Pontypool to launch the defence of their title.
Cardiff, Ebbw Vale, Newport and Llandovery – in that order – have been the four sides occupying the top four places after the 18 regular rounds of home and away matches in both of the past two seasons.
That has meant home advantage in the play-off quarter-finals, with the top two also getting home advantage in the semis should they make it. The Grand Final is hosted at the highest ranked club in the table of the two finalists – Ebbw Vale for the past two seasons.
Yet, despite home advantage The Steelmen haven’t been able to win the title, falling to Newport last year and Llandovery four months ago. Now Newport head coach Ty Morris, whose side captured the SRC Cup and Challenger Shield last season, believes a new side will force their way into the reckoning for silverware this time round.
“I genuinely believe there will be a different team in that top four this year. The competition is getting stronger and that’s due to the number of regional players dropping down,” said Morris.
“We’ve seen what an advantage that has given to Cardiff. They’ve been top on a regular basis, having the ability to be able to pull on their pros and academy players.
“I can see Carmarthen Quins getting stronger through it as well. That’s why I can definitely see a new team within that top four this year.”
The Black & Ambers kick-off their campaign against RGC at Newport Stadium.The Gogs will have one eye on upsetting the odds and taking away the Challenger Shield, which is put up for grabs by the holders every time they play at home.
Newport were crowned champions two seasons ago after winning at Cardiff in the semi-finals and then beating Ebbw Vale in a classic Gwent derby. It was the perfect way for the club to crown their 150th anniversary season.
Ebbw turned the tables in the semi-finals last year as they ended a run of five straight defeats to Morris’ men.
“Of course we’ve reflected on what happened last season. We were winning until the last play of that game, so credit to Ebbw Vale for playing to the 83rd minute of the game and winning,” added Morris.
“It was just two good teams and the gods weren’t smiling on us that day – the weather was horrendous. It does hurt, but that season’s gone now.
“This is a new group and we have to look forward and learn from those reflections. Hopefully, if we ever come to that situation again, where we’ve got poor weather or it’s the final minutes, the guys are now far better from learning from that experience.”
Cardiff and Aberavon will both be celebrating their 150th anniversaries this season and the Blue & Blacks kick-off with a tough trip to Carmarthen Quins. The Wizards start at home against Bridgend, while Ebbw Vale, minus skipper Sion Parry, who is on international duty with Canada, host Swansea.