A year ago the Gwent giants were thankful to escape with a 10-9 win that was earned courtesy of a penalty try after three Sam Withers penalties looked set to earn the battling home side a famous win. More of the same this weekend will be needed.
The new look Pooler side, still smarting from missing out on promotion to the Principality Premiership, kicked-off their campaign in emphatic style with a 40-6 home win over Narberth last weekend. Beddau, meanwhile, were beaten at home by Tata Steel.
The final score last weekend probably didn’t do Beddau justice. They had led 6-5 thanks to two Hywel Chatham penalties, but eventually ran out of steam and were beaten 22-6.
Beddau coaches Ben Daniels and Ross Johnson will have more players available for the visit of Pontypool and will be hoping for some better discipline from their side. They saw both Cody Baker and Ben Stephens pick up yellow cards at one stage as their side was reduced to 13 men for a period.
Pooler’s flying start to the season simply got better in the week when they signed a major commercial partnership with private air charter operator, SaxonAir, for the 2016/17 campaign. Former Ospreys and Wales outside half Matthew Jones starts at No 10 and two try hero against Narberth, Josh Hurley, features on the wing.
Cardiff Met host newly promoted Skewen at Cyncoed, where the students give a debut to Josh Poole in the back row. Centre Miles Moorhouse, who kicked a penalty and conversion in last weekend’s win, will pay his 20th game and will qualify for his club blazer.
The students opened with a 20-13 away win at Newcastle Emlyn, who have to travel to Cardiff to take on another promoted club, Glamorgan Wanderers. The Wanderers picked up a draw at Bedlinog on the opening weekend and will be looking for a big home effort on their return to the upper echelons of the league system.
Wales Under 18 international James Botham will make his competitive home debut in the back row and Tom Penry Ellis starts in the second row after missing last week’s game. Behind the scrum Callum Bricknell starts at full back after the injury to James Loxton and Luke Fish starts at No 10 after an injury to Ben White.
It will be the Otters against the Foxes when Narberth host Bedlinog at the Lewis Lloyd Ground, while Glynneath entertain Dunvant and Tata Steel travel to Newbridge.
WRU National Championship – Round 2
Beddau v Pontypool
Cardiff Met v Skewen
Glynneath v Dunvant
Narberth v Bedlinog
Newbridge v Tata Steel
Glamorgan Wanderers v Newcastle Emlyn
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