Bargoed RFC v Pontypool RFC

Captain Scott Matthews has labelled tomorrow’s encounter with league leaders Bargoed RFC as a “must-win” following the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to scrap the end-of-season play-offs.

Originally the teams who finished in the top four places in the WRU Admiral National Championship were due to compete in a play-off competition to decide the league winner.

However, the WRU announced earlier this week that it will now be a straight race to the top, adding more pressure onto an already big game at Bargoed Park.

Pooler make the short trip to take on a Bulls side that are yet to taste defeat in the league. Pontypool have only lost one game themselves but another would leave them with a steep mountain to climb in the remaining five fixtures.

“It [the cancellation of the play-offs] doesn’t change our mentality as a squad but what it does do is make it a must-win game and we are well aware that if we do lose we are out of the running,” explained Matthews.

“We don’t want to let ourselves down, we don’t want to let the supporters or the management down so we will be doing everything we can.

“It’s disappointing that there is no play-off but as a group it doesn’t change anything because we want to win every game. We don’t like being where we are in the league table.

“We enjoy playing each other. Both teams know it’s a big game.

“They are above us and deservedly so, they’ve put in a consistency of performance and they are very good at what they do.

“We know they are going to have a good set piece and we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“It makes the occasion a lot bigger because there will be a good support and it will be loud. This is why we play the big games.

“There are certainly some players we know and some of us have played with and against them over the years. It’s going to be a really good battle and I’m looking forward to it.”

Pontypool come into the game on the back of a dominant display at Ystrad Rhondda RFC where they touched down eight times in a 56-5 victory at Gelligaled Park.

Leighton Jones has made five changes from that side welcoming Cameron Regan and Ashley Sweet back into the second row with skipper Matthews also returning.

Kieran Meek, who is closing in on 100 club appearances, will replace Pat Lewis at centre while Duan Thomas has been deployed on the wing.

The Bulls equally enjoyed a big victory in their last outing – a 56-19 triumph over TATA Steel RFC – although that came on 12^th March and they haven’t played since.