In doing so Ponty will be aiming to complete a quick fire double over their English opponents in this year’s competition, and a treble in the competition overall.
The Valley Commandoes were victorious after a close fought encounter, by 24-30 away to Leeds last weekend. It was a year ago almost to the day that Pontypridd also secured a BIC home win over the same opponents by 18-7.
Aiming for a return victory over Leeds will be crucial to Ponty’s aspirations of progressing from a very competitive Pool 6, as they remain the only team so far unbeaten and level on points with Leinster A at the top of the table.
As Pontypridd coach Dale McIntosh realises, that task will be a tough one to undertake against fully professional English opposition.
“Leeds will come to Sardis Road full of confidence, as they have a strong set piece and a potent combination of youthful pace and power” said McIntosh.
“We did not play to our full potential at Leeds last week and as such we have not shown our full deck of cards as we enter the second leg of this tie. We will need to bring our impact players into the game and hopefully on home ground we will be a different proposition.”
Ponty make seven changes to the team that started against Leeds last week. Full back Geraint Walsh is sidelined with a damaged shoulder but making a welcome return from long term injuries are winger Chris Clayton and second row Craig Locke. Centre Adam Thomas also features after a stint away with the Wales Sevens squad.
Pontypridd:15.Gareth Wyatt. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Owen Williams. 10.Dai Flanagan. 9.Carl Thomas;1.Scott Roberts. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Bradley Thyer. 4.Cory Hill. 5.Chris Dicomidis – cpt. 6.Ed Siggery. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Dan Godfrey.
Replacements: 16.Lloyd Williams. 17.Adam Thomas. 18.Tom Hetherington. 19.Darran Harris. 20.Craig Locke. 21.Chris Phillips. 22.Keiron Jenkins.
