Pontypool RFC v Ystrad Rhondda RFC

Head of rugby operations Lewis Roberts insists the team is only taking things game by game as Ystrad Rhondda RFC visit Pontypool Park in the WRU Admiral National Championship tomorrow afternoon.

Pooler currently sit second in table – two points off leaders Neath RFC with a game in hand – after a perfect start to the season with 20 points from their opening four games.

The focus switched to the WRU Championship Cup last weekend with victory at Narberth RFC but it’s back to league action on Saturday and Roberts is adamant the team will not lose focus.

“It’s been a real positive start to the season,” stated Roberts.

“Lots of hard work went in over the summer period and we knew it was important to start the league campaign positively to put our best foot forward and help us to achieve the end goal of winning the Championship and gaining promotion to the Premiership next season.

“I don’t think there is any complacency within the squad.

“Competition for places is really high and strength in depth within the squad is really high too and that’s testament to Leighton [Jones] for putting such a competitive squad together.

“From the players’ and coaches’ point of view there will be no complacency about any game this season, we’ll take every game as it comes and treat every opponent with the respect they deserve and let the rugby look after itself.

“Any team that comes to Pontypool Park will want to challenge us.

“Ystrad are a good, honest team and I’m sure they’ll be doing everything they can to impose themselves on us as a team.

They will have their strengths and big moments in the game and I’m sure they’ll be looking to take any opportunity but for us it’s just about focusing on ourselves and what we can do as a collective.”

The strength in depth will be on display with eight changes from the team that saw off the Otters at the Lewis Lloyd Ground last time out.

Youngster Huw Anderson returns to the team at full back with fellow teenager Dylan Lewis earning his first start on the wing. Dai Langdon replaces Joel Mahoney at centre.

The coaches have named an entire new front row with Aneurin Jenkins at hooker and Sam Cochrane and Peter Lloyd either side of him.

Adam Brown comes in at second row while Ieuan Jones starts at number eight on his 50^th appearance for the club.

“It’s great to Ieuan start at number eight, in his favoured position, on his 50^th appearance at Pontypool Park and for him and his family it will be a special day and one he’ll cherish,” added Roberts.

“Ieuan is a big character within the squad, he brings a lot of detail and drive to the team.

“Very much like Mikey [Herbert], two boys who have been at the club over a long period of time now and had it not been for the COVID gap probably would be more towards the 100 mark than 50.”