| John Davies’ new side earned a hard fought victory against Aberavon at The Talbot Athletic Ground on the opening day while the Welsh All Blacks seamlessly picked up where they left off last season with a five-try demolition of Bridgend at the Gnoll.
Neath head coach Jason Forster said: ‘‘We have to be happy with 42 points for the first home game of the season, but we have to keep our feet on the ground as there were 15 minutes in the first half and 20 minutes in the second half where we were down on territory and down on possession. We have to step it up a level when we face Llanelli.’’
The derby fixture should hold fond memories for the home side though, who prevailed in the corresponding tie last season. They will be looking for a repeat result this time round.
Two of last week’s other victors clash at Sardis Road where Pontypridd entertain Swansea. All Whites coach Richard Webster realises that to come away with anything from the match his team will have to fight as they did last week when they held on to pip Ebbw Vale by a point at Eugene Cross Park.
He said: ‘It was a close game and we worked very hard for the victory with our training sessions paying off. We will have to work even harder at Pontypridd and must cut out the silly errors that let Ebbw Vale back in at the end.’’
Meanwhile, skipper Nathan Strong was among the Ponty tries as they came through a tricky opener away at local rivals Bedwas.
Gavin Lucas will lead Cardiff in their first home Premiership game of the season against Aberavon at the Arms Park. Lucas is one of two changes in the Blue and Blacks line-up from the side that won at Cross Keys last time out. He is joined in the pack by prop Rhys Gill who comes in for Gareth Gunter.
The Wizards will be looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointing home defeat to Llanelli.
Glamorgan Wanderers will be after their second home bonus point in as many weeks as the entertain Cross Keys. The Wanderers ran in six tries and 41 points as they outclassed a plucky Maesteg side who in turn replied with three tries of their own.
This week Maes are at home to Ebbw Vale in a match where both teams are looking for their first taste of victory as is the case at the Brewery Field, where Bridgend welcome a Newport side in desperate need of a confidence boost following a dour 6-3 home defeat to Llandovery.
In contrast, the Drovers will be keen to build on that success with another away victory at Bedwas.
Principality Premiership Fixtures
Saturday, September 8
Bedwas v Llandovery
Bridgend v Newport
Cardiff v Aberavon
Glamorgan Wanderers v Cross Keys
Llanelli v Neath
Maesteg v Ebbw Vale
Pontypridd v Swansea
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