The North Walians have been the surprise package so far this season after winning all four of their matches in their debut Premiership season. They have already swept aside Bridgend, Llandovery, Neath and Carmarthen Quins, but will face their sternest test yet against leaders, Aberavon.
The Wizards sit three points clear of RGC at the summit of the Premiership after a perfect start to the season. They swept aside Bargoed 45-25 last weekend, and will be looking to send a statement of intent in North Wales.
RGC head coach Mark Jones said: “As we know we are all learning at the moment, the coaches and players and that was no different in last week’s win over Quins. We now have the chance to come back to Eirias and play Aberavon who are sitting top of the table.”
Merthyr took the Valleys bragging rights last weekend with a historic 39-21 triumph on the new 3G pitch at Pontypridd. But the celebrations will have been cut short as they turn their attention to tonight’s clash with Newport at Rodney Parade. The Ironman have made four changes to their starting lineup with prop Louis Jones, hooker Matthew Dwyer, and lock Ben Sier coming into the pack, as Matthew Trowbridge starts on the wing.
Newport kick-started their season with a vital 17-13 win at Llanelli. Brendan Lampitt’s hard-hitting performance from the bench has earned him a recall in the second-row alongside captain Adam Brown.
Pontypridd are out to bounce back from their derby defeat, but face their 2015 SWALEC Cup conquerers Bridgend. The Ravens only have one win to their name this season, but face a Ponty side depleted by injuries.
Influential flanker Jake Thomas has ligament damage while scrum half Wayne Evans will undergo surgery to fix a knee problem this week. Prop Pat Palmer, hooker Huw Dowden, winger Chris Clayton, centre Gary Williams, full-back Geraint Walsh and flanker Darren Waters are also out.
Bedwas have turned heads so far this season with three victories from four matches. They are the only team to overcome newly promoted Merthyr, but face a Llandovery side searching for consistency after two wins and two defeats so far.
Cross Keys travel west to take-on Carmarthen Quins on Saturday. Keys have recaptured their form after defeats to Merthyr and Bridgend at the start of the season. Captain Scott Matthews will be hoping to continue his scoring streak after he grabbed hat-trick last weekend in a comprehensive triumph over Swansea. Quins were RGC’s latest victims last weekend and will be out to get back to winning ways at home.
Champions Ebbw Vale have the chance to put Neath to the sword and get back in touching distance of the top two. The Steelemen thrashed Bridgend 32-0 last time out and still have a game in hand. Neath beat Bargoed in their first match of the season, but have suffered since with defeats to Bedwas, Cross Keys and RGC.
Neath coach Gareth Llewellyn says, “Last week’s second-half blast is the absolute minimum standard we expect yet it all but brought us victory at Bedwas. We nearly overtook a first-half deficit but need to play at the top of our game for 80 minutes.
“Ebbw Vale will pose their usual direct, physical approach. Their team has been together for a few years now and they know how they want to play – honest endeavour is called for and we need to meet them head on.”
An old rivalry is renewed at St. Helens on Saturday when Swansea take on Cardiff. The Blue and Blacks will be hoping to heap more misery on the newly promoted All Whites, but Swansea will be hoping to score a first victory over their old foes. Bargoed also take on Llanelli, with both teams in need of a victory.
Principality Premiership fixtures:
Thursday September 29
19:15: Newport vs. Merthyr
Saturday October 1 (All 14:30 KO)
Bargoed v Llanelli
Bridgend v Pontypridd
Carmarthen Quins v Cross Keys
Llandovery v Bedwas
Neath v Ebbw Vale
RGC 1404 v Aberavon
Swansea v Cardiff
Teams
Newport: John Lavender, Henry Palmer, Garin Harris, Brendan Lampitt, Adam Brown (c), Craig Attwell, Kyle Tayler, Reuben Tucker, Owen Davies, Matt O’Brien, Elliot Frewen, Chay Smith, Tom Pascoe, Owen Williams, Llywarch Ap Myrddin.
Replacements: Evan Whitson, Keagan Bale, Christian Coleman, Dan Mock, Jack Goodey, Ryan James, Arwell Robson, Wes Cunliffe.
Merthyr: Matthew Jarvis, Kyle Evans, Gavin Dacey, Arron Pinches, Matthew Trowbridge, Gareth Davies, Rhys Downes; Louis Jones, Matthew Dwyer, Nathan Buck, Ben Sier, Ben Murphy, Ed Siggery, Osian Davies, Tom Daley.
Replacements: Rhys James, Rhys Williams, Gary Powell, Nicholas White, O Jones, Tom James, Dean Gunter Owen Howe.
