Neath braced for stiff challenge

Neath include the Premiership's leading try-scorer Kristian Phillips who has 17 tries to his credit but who has not played for Neath since before the Six Nations. Also returning is centre Stephen Thomas. Kevin James, Ashleigh James, Neil Edwards and Mike Collins are added to the squad named for the Bedwas game that was cancelled in midweek.

Neath Head Coach Patrick Horgan, said: "There is no doubt that Pontypridd will provide one of our toughest challenges at The Gnoll this season.

"They are building towards a Cup semi-final against Carmarthen Quins and Paul John and Dale McIntosh will have them geared for a big effort. We know they rested a lot of players in midweek against Ebbw Vale so we expect a full-on challenge.

"There is still a long way to go in this League campaign and, despite beating Swansea convincingly, we haven't won anything yet - this game really is crucial to our prospects."

"After taking charge of the Dragons-Ospreys match last week, Wales' top referee Nigel Owens is in charge and he always accentuates the positive so the game should be a good spectacle and a big crowd is expected.

"Our boys have worked hard to get where we are and, if we can maintain our approach, we will deserve success."

Neath G.King; K.James, S.Thomas, N.Brew, K.Phillips; A.Thomas (captain), K.Farrell; A.V.Lott, A.James, M.Jones; E.Evans, N.Edwards; G.Gravell, L.Evans, S.Tandy
Replacements : A.Jenkins, G.McCarthy, R.Jones, E.Lewis, G.Price, P.Sidoli, M.Collins