Narberth RFC v Pontypool RFC

Following a gruelling pre-season period, all of Pooler's hard work will be put to test on Saturday with a trip to Narberth RFC.

Starters Luke Ford, Ross Preedy, possibly Rhys Dyer, Ed King and Gareth Rusby-Davies will make their league debuts for the club having played in the pre-season friendlies. New players on the bench are Fraser Young and Nathan Hudd, while Sione Tu'ipulotu makes a welcome return to the club. Sione last played for Pontypool on 9 May 2006 in the 34-10 home defeat by Neath. Pooler have been unsuccessful in each of their 5 previous visits to Narberth (4 in the league and 1 in the WRU Cup) so Pooler will be keen to break their duck and start the season with a win.

Injuries have continued to ravage the squad, with Alun Wyn Davies, Ryan Harford, Rob Nash, Ben Sparks, Adam Scanlon, Rhys Dyer and Chris Laing all amongst those unavailable. The aim is to have the vast majority fit for Pooler's first home match of the season next week, versus Swansea RFC.