Pontypool RFC v TATA Steel RFC

Pontypool RFC welcome TATA Steel RFC to Pontypool Park tomorrow aiming to bounce back from defeat to Neath RFC last weekend.

The Welsh All Blacks claimed a 9-3 victory over Pooler at the Gnoll, a result that ended Pooler’s 64-game unbeaten streak in the league, but head coach Leighton Jones has been pleased with the reaction of his squad after some “honest conversations” this week.

“The boys’ reaction has been good, full of energy to put a few wrongs right,” he said.

“They are hurting and know they let themselves down.

“We had some honest conversations, both coaches and players, of areas we’ve not been at the races with.”

Matthew Jarvis will make his long-awaited debut tomorrow and is one of nine changes as Jones looks for a positive reaction in front of the Pooler faithful.

“Home games are special. The ground, the setting is where we like to be,” he continued.

“Now with the ground looking so good it’s brought a real buzz to the town so the boys know it’s for the town.”

The visitors have lost their opening two games of the season; the first a nail-biting 28-27 defeat at Glamorgan Wanderers before last weekend’s 42-10 loss to Narberth and Pooler will hope they can deny them at the third attempt.

Pontypool boast a strong record against TATA having won 16 of their 19 clashes and have won the last 10. The last meeting saw Pooler touch down nine times in a 59-7 thrashing at Margam Sports Ground.